Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Land Managers In the
Eastern Vancouver Island Ecoregion
Sooke,
Victoria and area
Nanaimo, Port Alberni,
and Campbell River Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Eastern Vancouver Island 6
Meet the Pollinators 8
Plant Traits 10
Developing Plantings 12
Farms 13
Public Lands 14
Home Landscapes 15
Plants That Attract Pollinators 16
Habitat hints 20
Habitat and Nesting requirements 21
S.H.A.R.E. 22
Checklist 22
This is one of several guides for different regions of North America. Resources and Feedback 23 We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]
2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators
A Guide for
Gardeners, Farmers,
and Land Managers
In the
Eastern Vancouver Island
Ecoregion
Sooke,
Victoria and area
Nanaimo, Port Alberni,
and Campbell River
A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication
Eastern vancouver Island 3 Why support pollinators?
In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and “Flowering plants Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us across wild, with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even
Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases urban landscapes production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. Agricultural production in the Eastern Vancouver Island ecoregion is extremely diverse including squash, berries, and fruit actually feed the trees which rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than $4 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. terrestrial world, Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result research and conservation and pollinators actions supporting native pollinators are increasingly active. Honey bee colony losses have significantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact are the great honey bee health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to connectors who commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.
It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations enable this giant thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the food system to natural world.
Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their work for all who active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them. eat... Including us.”
Laurie Davies Adams – Roger Lang, Chairman, Executive Director Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Partnership
4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started
This regional guide is just tool and is used to predict responses Long before there were homes and one in a series of plant selection to land management practices farms in the Eastern Vancouver tools designed to provide you with throughout large areas. This guide Island ecoregion, natural vegetation information on how to plant local addresses pollinator-friendly land provided essential opportunities native plants for pollinators. Each management practices in what is for wildlife, including pollinators. of us can have a positive impact known as the Eastern Vancouver Farmers, land managers, and by providing the essential habitat Island ecoregion. The Eastern gardeners in this region have requirements for pollinators Vancouver Island ecoregion a wide palette of plants to use including food, water, shelter, and encompasses the south eastern part in the landscape. In choosing enough space to raise their young. of Vancouver Island and contains plants, aim to create habitat for the majority of the population and pollinators that allow adequate food, Pollinators travel through the agriculture on the island. shelter, and water sources. Most landscape without regard to pollinators have very small home property ownership or provincial The seasonal cycle of sun and shade ranges. You will make a difference boundaries. We’ve chosen to use within the forests has created a by understanding the vegetation the ecoregional classification system changing pattern of bloom time for patterns on the farm, forest, or and to underscore the connections food plants and shelter needs for neighbour’s yard adjacent to your between climate and vegetation foraging, nesting, and migrating property. With this information in types that affect the diversity of pollinators. Farms and residential hand, your planting choices will pollinators in the environment. areas provide a diverse range of soil better support the pollinators’ need types in both sunny and shady areas. for food and shelter as they move The Canadian ecoregions are With this diversity of locations many through the landscape. based on the National Ecological different species of plants may be Framework Report. The National used to improve pollinator habitats Ecological Framework for Canada where they are lacking. is a system created as a management
Eastern vancouver Island 5 Understanding the Eastern Vancouver Island
n The Eastern Vancouver Island ecoregion is part of the larger Pacific Maritime Ecozone. It encompasses the south eastern part of Vancouver Island and contains the majority of the population and agriculture on the island. The total population of the ecoregion is about 750 thousand people, with half of that living in the greater Victoria area. n Not sure about which region you live or work in? Go to www. pollinator.org/guides and click on Ecoregion Locator for help. n 13,214 square kilometres within British Columbia. n Mean annual temperature of 9°C, summer mean temperature of 14°C and winter mean temperature of 3.5°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges from 800 mm in the lower elevations to 2500 mm at higher elevations. n The climate is characterized by warm, dry summers, and warm, wet winters.
Characteristics n The dominant forest type in this ecoregion is coniferous, including Douglas fir, western hemlock, and grand fir. n Garry oak and associated ecosystems were common in this ecoregion prior to European settlement, but today only about 5% remain in near-natural condition. n Garry oak meadows and associated ecosystems support the highest plant diversity in coastal British Columbia, and also support a diverse array of pollinators. n Most of the mountainous portions of the ecoregion are managed for forest production.
n Intensive residential and industrial land use characterizes much of the ecoregion.
n Small-scale, diverse farming is common in this ecoregion and approximately 90% of Vancouver Island farms are located between the Capital Region (Victoria) and the Comox Valley.
6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Eastern Vancouver Island includes: Sooke, Victoria and area, Nainamo, Port Alberni, and Campbell River
Eastern vancouver Island 7 Meet the Pollinators
Who are the Various species are solitary while others form loose colonies, nesting pollinators? side-by-side. Other common solitary Bees bees include mining bees, (Andrena Bees are the main pollinators of spp.), which nest underground and many wild flowers and agricultural are common in the spring; leaf- crops across Canada. cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead trees or branches for Most of us are familiar with the their nest sites; and mason bees colonies of honey bees that have (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities been the workhorses of agricultural they find in stems and dead wood pollination for years in Canada. that they fill with mud. They were imported from Europe almost 400 years ago and continue Butterfl ies to be managed for honey production Butterflies prefer open and sunny and pollination services. There are areas such as meadows and along over 800 species of native ground woodland edges that provide bright and twig nesting bees in Canada. flowers, water sources, and specific Most of these bee species live a host plants for their caterpillars. solitary life; a minority are social and Gardeners have been attracting form colonies or nest in aggregations. butterflies to their gardens for some Native bees visit and pollinate time. To encourage butterflies place many crops; in many cases they flowering plants where they have Anna’s Hummingbird, a year-round are better at transferring pollen full sun and are protected from the species in the Eastern Vancouver than honey bees. Our native bees wind. They usually look for flowers Island ecoregion. can be encouraged to do more to that provide a good landing platform. support agricultural endeavours if Butterflies need open areas (e.g., their needs for nesting habitat are bare earth, large stones) where met and if suitable sources of nectar, they can bask, and moist soil from pollen, and water are provided. Bees which they wick needed minerals. come in a variety of body shapes Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even and sizes, and even have tongues dung, so don’t clean up all the messes of different lengths. Native bees in your garden! By providing a safe visit the widest range of flowers and place to eat and nest, gardeners can Western Tiger Swallowtail. crops of any pollinator group. also support the pollination role that butterflies play in the landscape. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) form British Columbia has the largest small colonies, usually underground diversity of butterflies in Canada, making use of old rodent burrows or with 187 known species. Some of dense thatches. They are generalists, the butterflies that have been found feeding on a wide range of plant in the Eastern Vancouver Island types from May to September and ecoregion include the Western Tiger are important pollinators of Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus), Sara’s tomatoes and blueberries. Orangetip (Anthocharis sara), the Pine Sweat bees (family Halictidae) are White (Neophasia menapia), and the medium to small-sized, slender bees Green Comma (Polygonia faunus).
Photo courtesy Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland that commonly nest underground.
8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths that visit many plant species. Like and cactus. The head shape and Moths are most easily distinguished bees, flies are hairy and can easily long tongues of nectar bats allows from butterflies by their antennae. transport pollen from flower to them to delve into flower blossoms Butterfly antennae are simple with a flower. Flies primarily pollinate and extract both pollen and nectar; swelling at the end. Moth antennae small flowers that bloom under pollen covers their hairy bodies and differ from simple to featherlike, shade and in seasonally moist is transfer as they move from plant but never have a swelling at the tip. habitats, but are also economically to plant. Butterfly bodies are not very hairy, important as pollinators for a range while moth bodies are quite hairy of annual and bulbous ornamental and much more stout. In addition, flowers. Plants pollinated by flies Species at Risk butterflies typically are active include the American pawpaw during the day; moths at night. (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage Species at Risk include endangered They are attracted to flowers that (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod species, as well as threatened and are strongly sweet smelling, open (Solidago spp.), and members of the special concern species. Some in late afternoon or night, and are carrot family. pollinator species such as the typically white or pale coloured. Karner Blue butterfly have already Birds been extirpated from some regions Beetles Hummingbirds are the primary in Canada. Other species that There are more than 9000 species birds that play a role in pollination were once common have become of beetles in Canada and many of in North America. Their long beaks rare, such as the Western Bumble them can be found easily by looking and tongues draw nectar from Bee (Bombus occidentalis). Because inside flower heads. Gardeners tubular flowers. Pollen is carried habitat loss is one of the largest have yet to intentionally draw on both their beaks and feathers. threats facing many pollinators, the beetles to their gardens, possibly Regions closer to the tropics, with very best thing you can do is plant because beetle watching isn’t warmer climates, boast the largest for them. as inspiring as butterfly or bird number of hummingbird species watching. Yet beetles do play a role and the greatest number of native Western Bumble Bee in pollination. Some have a bad plants to support their need for • The Western Bumble Bee (Bombus reputation because they can leave food. A number of hummingbirds occidentalis) used to be one of the a mess behind, damaging plant spend the summer in British most common bumble bees in in parts as they eat pollen. Beetle Columbia. Anna’s Hummingbirds the Pacific Northwest. pollinated plants tend to be large, (Calypte anna) have the northern strong scented flowers and have the most year round range and are a • The southern subspecies has anthers and stigma exposed. Beetles common site in the winter in coastal become rare since the 1990s, are known to pollinate magnolia, BC. possibly due to pathogens that paw paws, and yellow pond lilies. Hummingbirds can see the colour transfered from managed bumble red; bees cannot. Many tropical bees to wild populations, and Flies flowers grown as annuals, along habitat loss. It may be hard to imagine why with native woodland edge plants, • It was designated as ‘Threatened’ one would want to attract flies attract hummingbirds. in 2014 but currently has no status to the garden. However, flies are under the Species at Risk Act. one of the most diverse group Bats of pollinators. They include Though bat species in Canada are • Recently, there are signs that colouful flower flies and hover not pollinators, bats in the south some populations of the Western flies (Syrphidae), active bee flies western United States and Mexico Bumble bee may be recovering in (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges are important pollinators of agave the US.
Eastern vancouver Island 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators Dull green, brown, or prefer? Bright white, Scarlet, Pale and dull to dark Dull white or Bright, including Pale and dull red, colourless; yellow, orange, red brown or purple; flecked Not all pollinators are found Colour green red and purple purple, pink or white petals absent in each province, and some are blue, or UV or white with translucent patches or reduced more important in different parts of Canada. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and pollinators where you live. Nectar Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent Guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics None to Fresh, mild, Strong sweet; of their flowers. These floral strongly fruity None Faint but fresh Putrid None characteristics can be useful to Odour pleasant emitted at night predict the type of pollination or fetid method or animal that is most effective for that group of plants. Sometimes Ample; deeply This association between floral Usually present present; Ample; deeply hidden Usually absent Ample; deeply hidden None characteristics and pollination Nectar hidden method is called a pollination not hidden syndrome. Limited; often The interactions of animal Abundant; small, sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited pollinators and plants have Pollen smooth, and not sticky influenced the evolution of both and scented groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Shallow; Large funnel and the plant species helps the Narrow tube with spur; pollinator find necessary pollen and have landing Large bowl-like, like; cups, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower wide nectar sources and helps the plant platform; Magnolia strong perch complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted reproduce by ensuring that pollen is Shape landing pad carried from one flower to another. tubular support
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Pollinator Plant Trait Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind
Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, Pale and dull to dark Dull white or Bright, including Pale and dull red, colourless; yellow, orange, red brown or purple; flecked Colour green red and purple purple, pink or white petals absent blue, or UV or white with translucent patches or reduced
Nectar Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent Guides None to Fresh, mild, Strong sweet; strongly fruity None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odour pleasant emitted at night or fetid
Sometimes Ample; deeply Usually present present; Ample; deeply hidden Usually absent Ample; deeply hidden None Nectar hidden not hidden
Limited; often Abundant; small, sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited Pollen smooth, and not sticky and scented
Shallow; Large funnel Narrow tube with spur; have landing Large bowl-like, like; cups, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower wide platform; Magnolia strong perch complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted Shape landing pad tubular support
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
Eastern vancouver Island 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat
Whether you are a farmer of chives, parsley and lavender are landscape protected from predators. many hectares, land manager of a just a few herbs that can be planted. • Include plants that are needed large tract of land, or a gardener Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and by butterflies during their larval with a small lot, you can increase the single sunflowers support bees and development. number of pollinators in your area by butterflies. Non-native crops, herbs, making conscious choices to include and ornamental flowers should only Water: plants that provide essential habitat be planted in gardens. A clean, reliable source of water is for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, • Recognize weeds that might be a essential to pollinators. hummingbirds, and other pollinators. good source of food. For example, • Natural and human-made water dandelions provide nectar in the early features such as running water, Food: spring before other flowers open. pools, ponds, and small containers Flowers provide nectar (high in sugar • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest of water provide drinking and and necessary amino acids) and Management (IPM) practices to bathing opportunities for pollinators. pollen (high in protein) to pollinators. address pest concerns. Minimize or • Ensure the water sources have Fermenting fallen fruits also provide eliminate the use of pesticides. a shallow or sloping side so the food for bees, beetles, and butterflies. pollinators can easily approach the Specific plants, known as host Shelter: water without drowning. plants, are eaten by the larvae of Pollinators need protection from Your current landscape probably pollinators such as butterflies. severe weather and from predators as includes many of these elements. • Plant in groups to increase well as sites for nesting and roosting. Observe wildlife activity in your farm pollination efficiency. If a pollinator • Incorporate different canopy fields, woodlands, and gardens to can visit the same type of flower layers in the landscape by planting determine what actions you can take over and over, it doesn’t have to trees, shrubs, and different-sized to encourage other pollinators to feed relearn how to enter the flower perennial plants. and nest. Evaluate the placement of and can transfer pollen to the same • Leave dead snags for nesting sites individual plants and water sources species, instead of squandering the of bees, and other dead plants and and use your knowledge of specific pollen on unreceptive flowers. leaf litter for shelter. pollinator needs to guide your choice • Plant with bloom season in mind, • Avoid applying thick layers of and placement of additional plants providing food from early spring to mulch that are hard to dig through. and other habitat elements. Minor late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-19) • Build bee boxes to encourage changes by many individuals can • Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest positively impact the pollinator support a variety of pollinators. on your property. populations in your area. Watch Flowers of different colour, • Ground nesting bees are also for - and enjoy - the changes in your fragrance, and season of bloom attracted to lawns and short grass landscape! on plants of different heights will areas, especially if there is a south • CAUTION LAND MANAGERS: attract different pollinator species facing slope. Remember that many insecticides and provide pollen and nectar • Leave some areas of soil uncovered are toxic to pollinators. Extreme throughout the seasons. to provide ground nesting insects caution is warranted if you choose • Many herbs and annuals, although easy access to underground tunnels. to use any insecticide. Strategically not native, are very good for • Group plantings so that pollinators apply insecticides only for pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, can move safely through the problematic target species.
12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms
Many tree fruit, berry, and before dawn) and choose targeted act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, vegetable crops are grown in British ingredients. and field borders throughout the Columbia, and they will benefit • Consider using Integrated Pest farm. from strong native bee populations Management (IPM) strategies to • Plant unused areas of the farm that boost pollination efficiency. control pests. Use insecticides that with temporary cover crops that Incorporate different plants cause the least harm to non-target can provide food or with a variety throughout the farm that provide organisms and only use when pests of trees, shrubs, and flowers that food for native populations when reach economic thresholds. provide both food and shelter for targeted crops are not in flower. • Carefully consider the use of pollinators. herbicides. Some weeds can provide • Check with local not-for-profit Farmers have many opportunities needed food for pollinators. organizations, or government to incorporate pollinator-friendly • Minimize tillage to protect ground agencies to see what technical land management practices on their nesting pollinators. support might be available to assist land which will benefit the farmer • Consider creating designated you in your effort to provide nectar, in achieving his or her production permanently untilled areas for pollen, and larval food sources for goals: ground nesting bees along internal pollinators on your farm. • Minimize the use of insecticides farm laneways. to reduce the impact on native • Ensure water sources are scattered pollinators. Spray when bees throughout the landscape. aren’t active (after dark or just • Choose a variety of native plants to Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert
Eastern vancouver Island 13 Public Lands
Public lands are maintained for pollinators in the environment specific reasons ranging from high through signs, brochures, and public impact recreation to conservation. programs. In British Columbia, forests have In an effort to increase populations been cut to allow for roads, energy of pollinators the land manager can: infrastructure, buildings, open lawn • Inventory and become areas, boat ramps, and vistas. These knowledgeable of local pollinators. other lands can provide benefits to • Provide connectivity between pollinator when managed correctly. vegetation areas by creating Pollinators are encouraged by timed corridors of perennials, shrubs, and mowing, opening tree canopies, and trees that provide pollinators shelter planting of native flowers. Less and food as they move through the disturbed natural areas can be landscape. augmented with plantings of native • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas plant species. Existing plantings that support recreational needs. around buildings and parking areas • Restrict the use of insecticides and should be evaluated to determine herbicides. if pollinator-friendly plants can • Provide water sources in large be substituted or added to attract open areas. and support pollinators. Public • Maintain natural meadows and land managers have a unique openings that provide habitats for opportunity to use their plantings sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. as an education tool to help others • Remove invasive species. understand the importance of
14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes
Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbour’s garden centres, in catalogs, and on property provides an essential web-sites. Use your knowledge of element, such as water, which can pollinator needs and the plant list in be utilized by pollinators visiting this document to guide your choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Find local resources to help you any non-native plants you choose in your efforts. Contact your local to use are not invasive. Remember garden club or conservation groups. that specialized cultivars sometimes Visit your regional botanic gardens aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers and arboreta. that have been drastically altered, such as cultivars with double petals or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some cultivars don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.
• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate the source of your plant material. You want to ensure you get plants that are healthy and correctly identified. Your local garden club can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.
Eastern vancouver Island 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Eastern Vancouver Island The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.
Also Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs Acer glabrum Douglas maple 1-10m yellow, green April - May sun to partial shade dry to moist bees red, greenish, March - Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple 12-20m+ sun to partial shade dry to wet bees, flies, beetles X yellow April Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon berry 1-5m white April - July sun to partial shade moist to dry bees, flies X Arbutus menziesii arbutus 6-30m white April - May sun to partial shade dry bees Arctostaphylos hairy manzanita 0.1-3m white April - July sun to partial shade dry, well drained hummingbirds columbiana Arctostaphylos kinnikinnick less than 1m pink April - June sun to shade dry to moist bees uva-ursi moist to well bees, beetles, flies, Cornus nuttallii Pacific dogwood 4-12m white April - June shade drained butterflies Cornus stolonifera red-osier dogwood 2-4m white to cream May - June partial shade moist butterflies X Crataegus douglasii black hawthorn 0-10m white to cream May - June sun to partial shade normal to wet butterflies X white to cream, bees, butterflies, Gaultheria shallon salal 0.4-3m May - June sun to partial shade dry to wet pink hummingbirds June - Holodiscus discolor oceanspray 1-2m white sun to partial shade moist bees, butterflies X August April - sun, partial shade bees, Lonicera involucrata black twinberry 1-3m yellow to red moist August to shade hummingbirds March - partial shade to Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon-grape 1-2m yellow dry bees May shade March - Mahonia nervosa dull Oregon-grape less than 1m yellow sun to shade dry to moist bees June Malus fusca Pacific crabapple 6-10m white to pink April - June sun moist to wet bees March - bees, butterflies, Oemleria cerasiformis Indian plum 1-5m white to green sun to shade dry to moist April flies, hummingbirds Philadelphus lewisii mock orange 1-3m white to cream June sun dry to moist bees, butterflies Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark 1-2.5m white May - June sun to partial shade moist to wet bees Prunus emarginata bitter cherry 1-15m white April - June sun to partial shade well drained bees bees, butterflies, Prunus virginiana chokecherry 6-10m white May - July sun to shade dry to moist X moths partial shade to Ribes bracteosum stink currant 1-3m white-yellow May - June moist to wet bees shade spreading sun, partial shade Ribes divaricatum 3m white to red April - May well drained bees gooseberry to shade Ribes lobbii gummy gooseberry 0.5-2m red April - May sun to partial shade dry to moist hummingbirds red-flowering sun, partial shade bees, butterflies, Ribes sanguineum 1-3m red April - June dry to moist currant to shade hummingbirds May - sun, partial shade Rosa gymnocarpa dwarf rose 2m pink dry to moist bees August to shade sun, partial shade Rosa nutkana Nootka rose 1-3m pink May - July dry to moist bees, butterflies X to shade Rosa pisocarpa clustered wild rose 0-2.5m red, pink May - July sun to partial shade moist bees
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host sun, partial shade Rubus leucodermis blackcap raspberry 0.5-2 m white April - July dry bees, butterflies to shade Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry 1-2m white to cream May - July sun to partial shade normal to moist bees, butterflies April - sun, partial shade Rubus ursinus trailing blackberry 0.5-1.5m white moist bees August to shade March - sun, partial shade Rubus spectabilis salmonberry 1-3m pink moist bees June to shade yellow, green to Salix hookeriana Hooker’s willow 0-9m February sun to partial shade moist to wet bees brown March - sun, partial shade Salix lucida shining willow 3.5-6m white to yellow moist to wet bees May to shade March - Salix scouleriana Scouler’s willow 4-12m yellow sun to partial shade dry to moist bees April March - Salix sitchensis sitka willow 3-9m white to cream sun to partial shade moist to wet bees April Sambucus cerulea blue elderberry 2-8m white May - July sun to partial shade moist bees June - Spiraea douglasii hardhack 1-3m pink, purple sun to partial shade moist bees August common May - Symphoricarpos albus 0.5-1.5m white to pink sun to partial shade dry bees snowberry August Vaccinium dwarf blueberry less than 1m white to pink May - July sun well drained bees, butterflies X caespitosum Vaccinium white to pink to sun, partial shade red huckleberry up to 6m April - June moist bees parvifolium green to shade sun, partial shade Vaccinium uliginosum bog blueberry less than 1m white to pink May - June moist to wet bees, butterflies X to shade Forbs June - Achillea millefolium common yarrow less than 1m white to pink sun to partial shade dry to moist bees X November Allium acuminatum Hooker’s onion less than 1m purple, pink May - June sun to partial shade dry to normal bees, butterflies white to cream, July - bees, butterflies, Allium cernuum nooding onion less than 1m sun dry to moist X pink August hummingbirds Anaphalis July - pearly everlasting less than 1m white to cream sun dry to moist bees, butterflies X margaritacea September Apocynum white to cream, June - spreading dogbane 0.3-2m sun to partial shade dry to normal butterflies X androsaemifolium pink August May - bees, Aquilegia formosa red columbine less than 1m red sun to partial shade normal to moist August hummingbirds July - Brodiaea coronaria harvest brodiaea less than 1m blue, purple sun normal bees, butterflies September Camassia leichtlinii great camas less than 1m blue April - June sun moist bees Camassia quamash common camas less than 1m blue, purple April - June sun to partial shade normal to moist bees, butterflies harsh Indian red, orange, April - bees, Castilleja hispida up to 1m partial shade dry Paintbrush yellow, green August hummingbirds red, pink, May - moist to wet, well bees, Castilleja miniata scarlet paintbrush up to 1m sun orange September drained hummingbirds May - Cerastium arvense field chickweed less than 1m white to cream sun dry bees, flies September
Eastern vancouver Island continued on page 18 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Eastern Vancouver Island
Also Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Clinopodium April - yerba buena less than 1m white partial shade moist bees douglasii September large-flowered Collinsia grandiflora up to 1m blue, purple April - June partial shade moist bees blue-eyed Mary yellow, blue, bees, Delphinium menziesii Menzies’ Larkspur less than 1m April - July sun moist, well drained purple hummingbirds pacific bleeding Dicentra formosa less than 1m purple, pink May - June sun to shade moist hummingbirds heart Dodecatheon broad-leaved partial shade to up to 1m red May dry to moist bees hendersonii shootingstar shade Dodecatheon few-flowered April - less than 1m pink partial shade normal bees pulchellum shootingstar August Epilobium June - bees, fireweed 1-1.5m pink sun moist angustifolium September hummingbirds May - Eriophyllum lanatum woolly sunflower less than 1m yellow sun dry bees, butterflies August Erythronium yellow avalanche less than 1m yellow May - June partial shade normal to moist bees, butterflies grandiflorum lily Erythronium March - white fawn lily less than 1m white to cream sun to partial shade dry to moist bees, butterflies oregonum May Fragaria chiloensis wild strawberry less than 1m white to cream July sun to partial shade dry to normal bees May - Fragaria vesca wood strawberry less than 1m white to cream partial shade normal to wet bees August May - Fragaria virginiana Virginia strawberry less than 1m white sun to partial shade dry bees, butterflies X August entire-leaved July - Grindelia stricta 1-2m yellow sun to partial shade normal to moist bees gumweed October white to cream, Linnaea borealis twinflower less than 1m May - July sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, flies, moths pink Lomatium nudicaule consumption plant less than 1m yellow April - June sun to partial shade dry bees, butterflies X Lomatium February - dry to moist, well spring gold less than 1m yellow sun to partial shade bees, butterflies utriculatum June drained Lupinus bicolor bi-coloured lupine less than 1m purple April - June sun well drained bees small-flowered March - bees, butterflies, Lupinus polycarpus less than 1m blue to purple sun to partial shade dry lupine June hummingbirds yellow, white to March - Lysichiton americanus skunk cabbage less than 1m partial shade moist to wet flies, beetles cream June Maianthemum false lily-of-the- less than 1m white to cream May - June shade moist to wet bees, butterflies dilatatum valley Maianthemum false Solomon’s partial shade to less than 1m white to cream May - July normal to moist bees racemosum seal shade March - Plectritis congesta sea blush less than 1m white, pink sun to partial shade moist bees, butterflies June Prunella vulgaris ssp. May - self-heal less than 1m purple sun to partial shade moist bees, butterflies lanceolata September Ranunculus western buttercup up to 1m yellow April - June partial shade moist, well drained bees occidentalis
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Ranunculus straight-beaked March - less than 1m yellow sun moist to wet bees orthorhynchus buttercup May February - partial shade to bees, Sanicula crassicaulis pacific sanicle 1m yellow, purple dry to moist April shade hummingbirds lance-leaved bees, butterflies, Sedum lanceolatum less than 1m yellow July sun dry stonecrop flies broad-leaved Sedum spathulifolium less than 1m yellow May - June sun dry butterflies stonecrop August- Solidago lepida Canada goldenrod up to 1.5m yellow sun dry to moist bees September July - Solidago simplex spikelike goldenrod less than 1m yellow sun to partial shade moist bees September Symphyotrichum common California July - 1m yellow, purple sun to partial shade dry to wet bees chilense aster September Symphyotrichum July - Douglas’ aster less than 1m yellow, purple sun to partial shade normal to wet bees, butterflies subspicatum September Tellima grandiflora fringecup less than 1m white to cream April - May partial shade normal to moist hummingbirds Trifolium willdenovii tomcat clover less than 1m purple April - June sun normal bees, butterflies May - Trifolium wormskioldii springbank clover 1m+ white to purple sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, butterflies August partial shade to Trillium ovatum western trillium less than 1m white to cream April - May moist to wet bees, butterflies shade partial shade to Viola adunca hookedspur violet less than 1m blue, purple April - July dry to moist bees, butterflies X shade partial shade to Viola glabella stream violet less than 1m yellow April - May moist to wet bees, butterflies shade trailing yellow March - Viola sempervirens less than 1m yellow shade moist bees, butterflies violet June Vines orange bees, Lonicera ciliosa climbing orange May - July partial shade well drained honeysuckle hummingbirds pink, yellowish June - partial shade to Lonicera hispidula hairy honeysuckle 1-2m dry to moist hummingbirds pink August shade Shelter Plants Bromus carinatus California Brome up to 1m partial shade dry Danthonia californica California oakgrass up to 1.5m sun to partial shade dry to moist Deschampsia tufted hairgrass up to 1m sun dry to wet X cespitosa dry to moist, well Elymus glaucus blue wildrye 1-2m partial shade drained dry to moist, well Festuca roemeri Roemer’s fescue up to 1m sun to partial shade drained Koeleria macrantha junegrass less than 1m sun to partial shade dry to normal partial shade to Polystichum munitum sword fern 1-1.5m moist shade
Eastern vancouver Island 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Eastern Vancouver Island
BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced FLOWERS Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x
20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:
Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. In Canada, the majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. Beekeepers with commercial operations can have bee yards with tens to hundreds of hives commonly in agricultural, rural and some natural habitats. In urban and garden settings, it is common to see a single or a handful of honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Honey bees have different feeding needs than native bees. Their colony can last multiple years and they feed on flowers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildflowers as well. Honey bees also need plants that produce a large amount of nectar to make honey. Clovers, lavenders, mints, and sages are great nectar sources. Honey bees also like to feed off of the pollen of trees and shrubs such as maples, willows, and roses. Fields of goldenrod are an excellent pollen source. Bumble Bees: Bumble bees nest in cavities such as abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring. The number of workers in a colony can grow to upward of 400 at the peak of summer bloom. Bumble bee colonies die out in the fall after producing new queens. New queens mate and then overwinter, hiding underground, in cracks, or small crevices. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain. Large carpenter bees: Large carpenter bees chew nests into dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs. The also make nests in structural timbers including redwood and cedar. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest and coolest weather. Digger bees: Digger bees can be found nesting in sandy, compacted soils, and along stream banksides. These bees are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times of the day as well. To attract these bees have some areas of exposed soil in your garden and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Small carpenter bees: Small carpenter bees chew into pithy stems, including roses and blackberry canes, where they make their nests. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. Squash and Gourd bees: Squash and gourd bees prefer to nest in sandy soil but also may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown). These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in wilted squash flowers. Leaf-cutting bees: Leaf-cutting bees nest in pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead wood created by emerging beetles. Some also nest in the ground. Leafcutter bees line and cap their nests with leaves or flower petals. These bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in very hot weather. Mason bees: Mason bees use pre-existing tunnels of various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or human-made nesting substrates such as drilled wood blocks or cardboard tubes. These bees get their name from the fact that they cap their nests with mud. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. Sweat bees: Sweat bees need bare ground in sunny areas not covered by vegetation for nesting. Some will nest in small pre-existing holes, much like leaf-cutting or mason bees. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later in the day. To help these bees nest, keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Plasterer or cellophane bees: Plasterer or cellophane bees get their name from the unique, clear waterproof lining they make around their nest. Similar to sweat bees they prefer bare ground, stream banks or slopes. These bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. Yellow-faced bees: Yellow-faced bees are tiny, hairless bees that make their nesting by chewing into small dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. Mining bees: Mining bees prefer sunny, bare ground, and sand soil. They are also known to nest under leaf litter or in the soil along banksides and cliffs. Mining bees are active in the spring and most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.
Eastern vancouver Island 21 A Basic Checklist
S.H.A.R.E. - simply Have areas reserved for the environment. n Planting for pollinators is the first step. Put your pollinator habitat on the S.H.A.R.E. map and connect to pollinator conservation efforts across North America. Visit pollinator.org/SHARE n Farmers can also certify their habitat with Bee-Friendly Farming. Visit pollinator.org/bff
Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape. n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. n Take part in citizen science monitoring and get involved in local programs. n Consult a local field guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details.
Add native plants to attract more native pollinators. n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. n Determine when you need additional flowers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for larval development. n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help.
Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract. n Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to address pest concerns. n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water.
Notice the changes that you have helped to create!
22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources
Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for Native Plants this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area. Native Plant Society of British Columbia www.npsbc.ca
Ecoregion profi le E Flora BC www.eflora.bc.ca/ Environment Canada Ecozones Program—Eastern Vancouver Island http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/194.html Royal BC Museum Native Plant Garden Government of BC, Ministry of Environment www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecology/ecoregions/humidtemp.html#coast Ministry of Environment British Columbia Pollination/Pollinators www.env.gov.bc.ca/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team www.goert.ca/ North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.nappc.org Feedback Pollination Canada We need your help to create better www.pollinationcanada.ca guides for other parts of North Seeds of Diversity America. Please e-mail your input www.seeds.ca to [email protected].
Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterflies of Canada n How will you use this guide? www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterflies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 n Do you find the directions North American Butterfly Association clear? If not, please tell us www.naba.org what is unclear.
Canadian Honey Council n www.honeycouncil.ca Is there any information you feel is missing from the guide? Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Island Press: Washington, DC. n Any other comments?
Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. Thank you for taking the time to help!
Eastern vancouver Island 23 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin
Editorial: Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Funding: TransCanada
Contributors: James and Kristen Miskelly, Saanich Native Plants Elizabeth Elle, Simon Fraser University
Photo Contributors: Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland, www.kimandmikeontheroad.com
Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert
For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinatorpartnership.ca The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.pollinatorpartnership.ca d www.nappc.org 24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators