Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Land Managers In the

Okanagan Range Ecoregion

Keremeos

and

Hedley Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Okanagan range 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

Okanagan Range

Ecoregion

Keremeos

and

Hedley

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership ™ Publication

Okanagan Range 3 Why support pollinators?

IN THEIR 1996 BOOK, THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Flowering plants of 90% of fl owering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the across wild, 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 production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife urban landscapes food sources increase. Agricultural production in the Okanagan Range ecoregion makes up a large portion of the regional economy and includes tree fruit, ground vegetables, grapes, and cattle. Many of these crops rely actually feed the on honey bees and native bees for pollination. supports over 450 native species of bees. With over 350 of these species being native to the Okanagan region, this area supports the highest diversity of native terrestrial world, pollinator species in all of Canada! Honey bees pollinate more than $4 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. and pollinators 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 are the great efforts to support pollinators have increased. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee connectors who health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the enable this giant environment as well.

It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need food system to for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world. work for all who Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their 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.”

Val Docini – Roger Lang, Chairman, Executive Director Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS JUST to land management practices Long before there were homes ONE in a series of plant selection throughout large areas. This guide and farms in the Okanagan Range tools designed to provide you with addresses pollinator-friendly ecoregion, natural vegetation information on how to plant local land management practices in provided essential opportunities native plants for pollinators. Each what is known as the Okanagan for wildlife, including pollinators. of us can have a positive impact Range ecoregion. The Okanagan Farmers, land managers, and by providing the essential habitat Range ecoregion incorporates the gardeners in this region have requirements for pollinators southeastern portions of the Cascade a wide palette of plants to use including food, water, shelter, and Mountains and Okanagan Range in the landscape. In choosing enough space to raise their young. which are some of the warmest and plants, aim to create habitat for driest mountain ranges in British pollinators that allow adequate food, Pollinators travel through the Columbia. This region supports a shelter, and water sources. Most landscape without regard to small population of about 3900. pollinators have very small home property ownership or provincial ranges. You will make a difference boundaries. We’ve chosen to use The seasonal cycle of sun and shade by understanding the vegetation the ecoregional classifi cation system within the forests has created a patterns on the farm, forest, or and to underscore the connections changing pattern of bloom time for neighbour’s yard adjacent to your between climate and vegetation food plants and shelter needs for property. With this information in types that affect the diversity of foraging, nesting, and migrating hand, your planting choices will pollinators in the environment. pollinators. Farms and residential better support the pollinators’ need areas provide a diverse range of soil for food and shelter as they move The Canadian ecoregions are types in both sunny and shady areas. through the landscape. based on the National Ecological With this diversity of locations many Framework Report. The National different species of plants may be Ecological Framework for Canada used to improve pollinator habitats is a system created as a management where they are lacking. tool and is used to predict responses

Okanagan Range 5 Understanding the Okanagan Range

n The landscape surrounding Keremeos is semi-arid and contains hundreds of plant and animal species found only in this region. Steep, rocky mountain sides and long slides of fi ne material give the Keremeos area a look found nowhere else in British Columbia. 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 Mean summer temperature of the major valleys is 15°C and the mean winter temperature is -1°C. Summer temperatures can reach highs well above 30°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges from 500 mm in the east, 1000 mm in the west, and up to 1200 mm at higher elevations. n The climate in valley bottoms is characterized by hot, dry summers, and moderately cold winters. n Provincial Parks and Protected Areas make up a signifi cant portion of this unique landscape.

Characteristics

n At higher elevations, subalpine forests dominate the ecoregion and are composed of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fi r, and lodgepole pine. n Valley bottoms are covered in Douglas-fi r, occasional ponderosa pine, and pine grass parklands. n The ecoregion contains most of the remaining grasslands, shrub-steppe, and low-elevation dry forests in British Columbia, including the Big Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass ecosystem, which is one of the most imperiled ecosystems of the region. The biggest threat to this ecosystem is livestock, invasive plants, and other human land-use impacts. n Land-use refl ects changes in elevation and includes grazing, forage production, orchards, water-oriented recreation, and tourism at lower elevations, and woodland grazing, forestry, hunting, and recreation at higher elevations. n This ecoregion is characterized by high mountains in the south, with deep, dry valleys in the centre and south, lowering to rounded summits north of the . n The Okanagan Valley is one of the four signifi cant agricultural areas in BC. Orchards, vineyards, and cash crops take advantage of favourable soil conditions. The majority of BC’s tree fruit is produced here, and recent expansion of late-season grape and cherry farming is further enlarging the sector.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Montane Cordillera Ecoregions 198 Skeena Moutains 199 Omineca Mountains 200 Central Canadian Rocky Mountains 201 Bulkley Ranges 202 203 Fraser Basin 204 Chilcotin Ranges 205 and Highlands 206 Western 207 Eastern Continental Ranges 208 Interior Transition Ranges 209 Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 210 Okanagan Range 211 212 Selkirk-Bitterroot Foothills 213 Southern Rocky Mountain Trench 214 Northern Continental Divide

Okanagan Range includes: Keremeos and Hedley

Okanagan Range 7 Meet the Pollinators

forage crops, all benefi t from bee are solitary while others form loose pollinators. colonies, nesting side-by-side. Other Most of us are familiar with the common solitary bees include colonies of honey bees that have mining bees, (Andrena spp.), which been the workhorses of agricultural nest underground and are common pollination for years in Canada. in the spring; leaf-cutter bees They were imported from Europe (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead almost 400 years ago and continue trees or branches for their nest sites; to be managed for honey production and mason bees (Osmia spp.), which and pollination services. There utilize cavities they fi nd in stems and are over 800 species of native dead wood that they fi ll with mud. ground and twig nesting bees in Butterfl ies Canada. Most of these bee species live a solitary life; a minority are Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny areas social and form colonies or nest in such as meadows and along woodland aggregations. edges that provide bright fl owers, water sources, and specifi c host plants Calliope Hummingbird, a year-round Native bees visit and pollinate for their caterpillars. Gardeners have species in the Okanagan Range many crops; in many cases they been attracting butterfl ies to their ecoregion. are better at transferring pollen gardens for some time. than honey bees. Our native bees can be encouraged to do more to To encourage butterfl ies place fl owering plants where they have Baird’s Swallowtail support agricultural endeavours if their needs for nesting habitat are full sun and are protected from met and if suitable sources of nectar, the wind. They usually look for pollen, and water are provided. Bees fl owers that provide a good landing come in a variety of body shapes platform. Butterfl ies need open and sizes, and even have tongues areas (e.g., bare earth, large stones) of different lengths. Native bees where they can bask, and moist visit the widest range of fl owers and soil from which they wick needed crops of any pollinator group. minerals. Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even dung, so don’t clean up There are over 35 species of bumble all the messes in your garden! By bees in BC. Bombus nevadensis is providing a safe place to eat and our largest; and Bombus insularis is nest, gardeners can also support the a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee), pollination role that butterfl ies play laying her eggs in other bumble in the landscape. Who are the bee nests. Bumble bees (Bombus pollinators? spp.) form small colonies, usually British Columbia has the largest underground making use of old diversity of butterfl ies in Canada, Bees rodent burrows or dense thatches. with 187 known species. Some of Bees are the best documented They are generalists, feeding the butterfl ies that have been found pollinators in the natural and on a wide range of plant types in the Okanagan Range ecoregion agricultural landscapes of the from May to September and are include Sheridan’s hairstreak Okanagan Range ecoregion. A important pollinators of tomatoes (Callophrys sheridanii), ticket wide range of wild and crop plants, and blueberries.Sweat bees (family hairstreak (Callophrys spinetorum), including plants in the Aster Halictidae) are medium to small- Baird’s swallowtail (Papilio machaon), and Rose Families, agricultural sized, slender bees that commonly and grizzled skipper (Pyrgus crops, specialty crops, and some nest underground. Various species centaureae).

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths Species at Risk Moths are most easily distinguished transport pollen from fl ower to from butterfl ies by their antennae. fl ower. Flies primarily pollinate Species at Risk (SAR) are ones Butterfl y antennae are simple with a small fl owers that bloom in shade whose survival is endangered, swelling at the end. Moth antennae and in seasonally moist habitats, but threatened, or of special concern. differ from simple to featherlike, are also economically important as Some pollinator species such as the but never have a swelling at the tip. pollinators for a range of annual Karner blue butterfl y have already Butterfl y bodies are not very hairy, and bulbous ornamental fl owers. been extirpated from some regions while moth bodies are quite hairy Plants pollinated by fl ies include the in Canada. The Indra swallowtail and stouter. In addition, butterfl ies American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), (Papilio indra) butterfl y, once more typically are active during the day; skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus commonly found in the Okanagan moths at night. They are attracted foetidus), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Range ecoregion, is provincially to fl owers that are strongly sweet and members of the carrot family red-listed in BC. Indra swallowtail smelling, open in late afternoon or (Daucus spp.). larvae are known to only feed on night, and are typically white or members of the parsley family, pale coloured. Birds including Brandegee’s desert-parsley Hummingbirds are the primary (Lomatium brandegeei) which can Beetles birds that play a role in pollination be planted as a host plant for this There are more than 9000 species in North America. Their long beaks butterfl y. Other species that were of beetles in Canada and many of and tongues draw nectar from once common have become rare, them can be found easily by looking tubular fl owers. Pollen is carried such as the Western bumble bee inside fl ower heads. Gardeners have on both their beaks and feathers. (Bombus occidentalis). Because habitat yet to intentionally draw beetles Regions closer to the tropics, with loss is one of the largest threats to their gardens, possibly because warmer climates, boast the largest facing many pollinators, the very best beetle watching isn’t as inspiring number of hummingbird species thing you can do is plant for them. as butterfl y or bird watching. Yet and the greatest number of native beetles do play a role in pollination. plants to support their need for food. SAR Profi le - Western bumble bee Some have a bad reputation because A number of hummingbirds spend they can leave a mess behind, the summer in British Columbia. • The Western bumble bee (Bombus damaging plant parts as they eat Hummingbirds can see the colour occidentalis) used to be one of pollen. Beetle pollinated plants red; bees cannot. Many tropical the most common bumble bees tend to be large, strong scented fl owers grown as annuals, along in Western Canada and parts of fl owers and have the anthers and with native woodland edge plants, Western USA. stigma exposed. Beetles are known attract hummingbirds. • The southern subspecies has to pollinate magnolia, American become rare since the 1990s, pawpaw, and yellow pond lilies. Bats possibly due to pathogens that Though bat species in Canada Flies transfered from managed bumble are not pollinators, bats in the bees to wild populations, and It may be hard to imagine why Southwestern United States and habitat loss. one would want to attract fl ies Mexico are important pollinators of to the garden. However, fl ies are agave and cactus. The head shape • It was designated as ‘Threatened’ one of the most diverse group and long tongues of nectar bats in 2014 but currently has no status of pollinators. They include allows them to delve into fl ower under the Species at Risk Act. colouful fl ower fl ies and hover blossoms and extract both pollen • Recently, there are signs that fl ies (Syrphidae), active bee fl ies and nectar; pollen covers their hairy some populations of the Western (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges bodies and is transferred as they Bumble bee may be recovering in that visit many plant species. Like move from plant to plant. the US. bees, fl ies are hairy and can easily

Okanagan Range 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bees Beetles Birds Plant Butterfl ies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Trait Pollinators prefer? Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, Bright white, Scarlet, blue, Pale and dull red, Dull white, Bright, including dark brown or or colourless; yellow, orange, red blue, purple, NOT ALL POLLINATORS ARE found Colour yellow or green Colour red and purple purple; fl ecked with petals absent in each province, and some are blue, or UV or white pink or white more important in different parts of translucent patches or reduced Canada. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and pollinators where you live. Nectar Present Absent Absent Nectar Present Absent Absent Absent Guides Guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics None to of their fl owers. These fl oral Fresh, mild, Strong sweet; strongly fruity None Faint but fresh Putrid None characteristics can be useful to Odour pleasant Odour 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 Ample; deeply Ample; deeply This association between fl oral Usually present present; Usually absent None characteristics and pollination Nectar hidden Nectar hidden hidden method is called a pollination not hidden syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, The interactions of animal pollinators and plants have Pollen sticky Ample Modest Pollen Limited Modest in amount Limited smooth, and infl uenced the evolution of both and scented not sticky groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator and the plant species helps the Shallow; Narrow tube Shallow; funnel like pollinator fi nd necessary pollen and have landing Large funnel with spur; Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower Large bowl-like Flower or complex nectar sources and helps the plant platform; like; cups wide without a lip stigmas exerted reproduce by ensuring that pollen is Shape Shape and trap-like carried from one fl ower to another. tubular landing pad

This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildfl owers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml

10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Pollinator Plant Plant Trait Bees Beetles Birds Trait Butterfl ies Flies Moths Wind

Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, Bright white, Scarlet, blue, Pale and dull red, Dull white, Bright, including dark brown or or colourless; yellow, orange, red blue, purple, Colour yellow or green Colour red and purple purple; fl ecked with petals absent blue, or UV or white pink or white translucent patches or reduced

Nectar Present Absent Absent Nectar Present Absent Absent Absent Guides Guides None to Fresh, mild, Strong sweet; strongly fruity None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odour pleasant Odour emitted at night or fetid

Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Usually present present; Usually absent None Nectar hidden Nectar hidden hidden not hidden

Limited; often Abundant; small, Pollen sticky Ample Modest Pollen Limited Modest in amount Limited smooth, and and scented not sticky

Shallow; Narrow tube Shallow; funnel like have landing Large funnel with spur; Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower Large bowl-like Flower or complex platform; like; cups wide without a lip stigmas exerted Shape Shape and trap-like tubular landing pad

This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildfl owers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml

Okanagan Range 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER of just a few herbs that can be planted. by butterfl ies during their larval many hectares, land manager of a Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and development. large tract of land, or a gardener single sunfl owers support bees and with a small lot, you can increase the butterfl ies. Non-native crops, herbs, Water: number of pollinators in your area by and ornamental fl owers should only Some pollinators use and benefi t from making conscious choices to include be planted in gardens. having a clean, fresh water source. plants that provide essential habitat • Recognize weeds that might be a • Most pollinators receive their for bees, butterfl ies, moths, beetles, good source of food. For example, water needs through their food or hummingbirds, and other pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the early by other means (eg. butterfl ies wick spring before other fl owers open. their nutrients from muddied waters, Food: • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest or fermenting fruit) making clean Flowers provide nectar (high in sugar Management (IPM) practices to water a non-essential component. and necessary amino acids) and address pest concerns. Minimize or • If you do include a water source, pollen (high in protein) to pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. ensure that the source has a shallow Fermenting fallen fruits also provide or sloping side so the pollinators can food for bees, beetles, and butterfl ies. Shelter: easily approach the water without Specifi c plants, known as host Pollinators need protection from drowning. plants, are eaten by the larvae of severe weather and from predators as Your current landscape probably pollinators such as butterfl ies. well as sites for nesting and roosting. includes many of these elements. • Plant in groups to increase • Incorporate different canopy Observe wildlife activity in your pollination effi ciency. If a pollinator layers in the landscape by planting farm fi elds, woodlands, and gardens can visit the same type of fl ower trees, shrubs, and different-sized to determine what actions you can over and over, it doesn’t have to perennial plants. take to encourage other pollinators relearn how to enter the fl ower • Leave dead snags for nesting sites to feed and nest. Evaluate the and can transfer pollen to the same of bees, and other dead plants and placement of individual plants species, instead of squandering the leaf litter for shelter. and water sources and use your pollen on unreceptive fl owers. • Avoid applying thick layers of knowledge of specifi c pollinator • Plant with bloom season in mind, mulch that are hard to dig through. needs to guide your choice and providing food from early spring to • Build bee boxes to encourage placement of additional plants and late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-19) solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest other habitat elements. Minor • Plant a diversity of plants to on your property. changes by many individuals can support a variety of pollinators. • Ground nesting bees are also positively impact the pollinator Flowers of different colour, attracted to lawns and short grass populations in your area. Watch fragrance, and season of bloom areas, especially if there is a south for - and enjoy - the changes in your on plants of different heights will facing slope. landscape! attract different pollinator species • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION LAND MANAGERS: and provide pollen and nectar to provide ground nesting insects Remember that many insecticides throughout the seasons. easy access to underground tunnels. are toxic to pollinators. Extreme • Many herbs and annuals, although • Group plantings so that pollinators caution is warranted if you choose not native, are very good for can move safely through the to use any insecticide. Strategically pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, landscape protected from predators. apply insecticides only for chives, parsley and lavender are • Include plants that are needed problematic target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Farmers have many opportunities • Use of Integrated Pest • Plant unused areas of the farm to incorporate pollinator-friendly Management (IPM) strategies to with temporary cover crops that land management practices on their control is highly recommended. can provide food or with a variety land which will benefi t the farmer Use insecticides that cause the least of trees, shrubs, and fl owers that in achieving his or her production harm to non-target organisms and provide both food and shelter for goals. only use when pests reach economic pollinators. thresholds. • Check with local not-for-profi t Many tree fruit, berry, and • Use herbicides only when essential organizations, or government vegetable crops are grown in British to get a viable crop. Some weeds can agencies to see what technical Columbia, and they will benefi t provide needed food for pollinators. support might be available to assist from strong native bee populations • Till as little as possible to protect you in your effort to provide nectar, that boost pollination effi ciency. ground nesting pollinators. pollen, and larval food sources for Incorporate different plants • Whenever possible, create pollinators on your farm. throughout the farm that provide permanently untilled areas food for native populations when permanently untilled areas for targeted crops are not in fl ower. ground nesting bees (eg. such as • Minimize the use of insecticides along internal farm laneways). to reduce the impact on native • Choose a variety of native plants to pollinators. Spray when bees act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, aren’t active (after dark or just and fi eld borders throughout the before dawn) and choose targeted farm. ingredients. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

Okanagan Range 13 Public Lands

Public lands are maintained for understand the importance of specifi c reasons ranging from high pollinators in the environment impact recreation to conservation. through signs, brochures, and public In British Columbia, forests have programs. been cut to allow for roads, energy In an effort to increase populations infrastructure, buildings, open lawn of pollinators the land manager can: areas, boat ramps, and vistas. These • Inventory and become other lands can provide benefi ts to knowledgeable of local pollinators. pollinator when managed correctly. • Provide connectivity between Pollinators are encouraged by timed vegetation areas by creating mowing, opening tree canopies, and corridors of perennials, shrubs, and planting of native fl owers. Less trees that provide pollinators shelter disturbed natural areas can be and food as they move through the augmented with plantings of native landscape. plant species. Existing plantings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas around buildings and parking areas that support recreational needs. should be evaluated to determine • Restrict the use of insecticides and if pollinator-friendly plants can herbicides. be substituted or added to attract • Maintain natural meadows and and support pollinators. Public openings that provide habitats for land managers have a unique sun-loving wildfl owers and grasses. opportunity to use their plantings • Remove invasive species. as an education tool to help others

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 which can be utilized by pollinator needs and the plant list in pollinators visiting your land, you this document to guide your choices. may be able to devote more space • Choose a variety of plants that to habitat elements that are missing will provide nectar and pollen 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 specifi c 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 native plant/botany study group that specialized cultivars sometimes or conservation groups. Visit your aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers regional botanic gardens and that have been drastically altered, arboreta. such as cultivars with double petals or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent pollinators from fi nding and feeding on the fl owers. 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 identifi ed. Your native plant nursery can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Okanagan Range 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Okanagan Range 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 Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs Acer glabrum sun to partial Douglas Maple 1-10m yellow-green April-May dry to moist bees var. Douglasii shade sun to partial Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon 1-5m white April moist to dry bees, fl ies X shade Arctostaphylos 0.05- sun to partial Kinnikinnick pale pink March-May dry bees, butterfl ies X uva-ursi 0.15m shade Ceanothus Red-stem Ceanothus 1-3m white May-June partial shade moist to dry bees sanguineus sun to partial Ceanothus velutinus Snowbrush Ceanothus 0.5-2m white March-April dry to moist bees shade greenish- sun to partial moist, well Cornus sericea Red-Osier Dogwood 2-4m March-April butterfl ies X white shade drained sun to partial Crataegus douglasii Black Hawthorn 1-8m white May-June dry to moist butterfl ies X shade pale to April- Dasiphora fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil 1.3m sun dry to moist bees, fl ies bright yellow September August- dry, well Ericameria nauseosa Rabbitbrush 1.0m yellow sun bees, butterfl ies, fl ies September drained sun to partial Holodiscus discolor Oceanspray 1-4m cream-white June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X shade 0.5- sun to partial Mahonia aquifolium Tall Oregon-grape yellow March-April dry to moist bees, butterfl ies 2.5m shade Philadelphus lewisii Mock-orange 1-3m creamy white May-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies sun to partial dry to moist, bees, butterfl ies, Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6-10m cream-white March-May X shade well drained moths up to dry, well Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac yellowish March-April sun bees 3m drained 0.5- sun to partial dry to moist, Ribes cereum Wax Currant pale pink Feb-March bees, fl ies X 1.5m shade well drained sun, partial shade bees, butterfl ies, Ribes sanguineum Red-fl owering Currant 1-3m pink April-May dry to moist to shade hummingbirds sun, partial shade Rosa nutkana Nootka Rose 1-3m pink May-June dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X to shade up to sun to partial moist, well Salix scouleriana Scouler's Willow greenish March-April bees X 10m shade drained Shepherdia partial to full dry, well Buffaloberry 1-2m yellowish March-May bees canadensis shade drained sun to partial Sorbus scopulina Western Mountain-ash 1-5m white March-May moist bees shade up to pale pink to sun to partial moist, well Spiraea douglasii Hardhack; Pink Spirea July-August bees 1.5m rose shade drained pale pink- sun to partial Symphoricarpos albus Common snowberry 0.5-3m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X white shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Botanical Name Common Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Colour Season host Symphoricarpos pale pink- sun to partial Western Snowberry 0.3-1m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X occindentalis white shade up to creamy to late July- Tetradymia canescens Grey Horsebrush sun dry bees, butterfl ies, fl ies 0.8m bright yellow September less Vaccinium white to dry to moist, Dwarf Blueberry than May-July sun bees, butterfl ies X caespitosum pinkish well-drained 1m Vaccinium up to white to pink sun, partial shade Red Huckleberry April-June moist bees parvifolium 6m to green to shade Forbs bees, beetles, Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow 0.75m white-pink April-July sun dry X butterfl ies bees, butterfl ies, Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 0.3m pink March-May sun dry hummingbirds Anaphalis up to white & sun to partial Pearly Everlasting June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies margaritacea 0.9m yellow shade February- Antennaria dimorpha Sagebrush Pussytoes 0.1m grey-white sun dry bees, butterfl ies March pale to rose Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussytoes 0.1m March-April sun dry bees, butterfl ies pink Arabis holboelii Hoelboel's Rockcress 0.3m white-pink March-May sun dry bees, butterfl ies X orange-red Sitka or Western up to sepals; sun to partial normal to bees, butterfl ies, Aquilegia formosa March-April Columbine 0.5m yellow inner shade moist hummingbirds petals up to pinkish- butterfl ies, Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed May-June sun dry X 1m purple hummingbirds 0.1- whitish Astragalus miser Timber Milk-vetch April-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X 0.4m purple Balsamorhiza Arrow-leaved 0.4- sun to partial yellow March-April dry bees, fl ies sagittata Balsamroot 1.2m shade Calochortus Sagebrush 0.2- pale pink May-June sun dry bees, fl ies macrocarpus Mariposa Lily 0.5m Campanula 0.1- June- sun to partial Common Harebell purple dry to moist bees, hummingbirds rotundifolia 0.8m September shade Common Red sun to partial Castilleja miniata 0.8m red April-May dry bees Paintbrush shade Chamaenerion Fireweed 1-3m purlish-pink June-August sun dry to moist bees, hummingbirds angustifolium 0.15- bees, beetles, Crepis atribarba Slender Hawksbeard yellow May-July sun dry 0.7m butterfl ies, fl ies 0.1- Cryptantha torreyana Torrey's Cat's-eye white April-June sun dry to moist bees 0.4m Delphinium Upland or Nuttal's 0.4m deep blue March-April sun dry bees, hummingbirds nuttallianum Larkspur 0.1- white and Erigeron corymbosus Long-leaved Fleabane June-August sun dry butterfl ies X 0.5m pink

Okanagan Range continued on page 18 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Okanagan Range

Also Botanical Name Common Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Colour Season host 0.1- August- bees, beetles, Erigeron fi lifolius Three-leaved Fleabane pale purple sun dry 0.5m September butterfl ies, fl ies 0.1- Erigeron pumilus Shaggy Daisy white March-May sun dry fl ies, bees 0.3m 0.4- August- sun to partial Erigeron speciosus Showy Fleabane pale purple dry to moist bees, butterfl ies, fl ies 0.8m September shade 0.3- Erigeron subtrinervis Three-nerved Daisy pale purple June-July sun dry bees, butterfl ies, fl ies 0.6m Eriogonum Parsnip-fl owered dry, well bees, beetles, 0.4m orange-pink April-June sun X heracleoides Buckwheat drained butterfl ies white to August- Eriogonum niveum Snow Buckwheat 0.3m sun dry bees, butterfl ies X pinkish September up to August- Eurybia conspicua Showy Aster violet sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X 1m September light to deep Fritillaria affi nis Chocolate Lily 0.8m dark brown March-May dry to moist bees, other insects shade 0.02- Fritillaria pudica Yellow Bells dark yellow March-April sun dry bees, other insects 0.1m bees, beetle (soft- 0.2- yellow to winged fl ower Gaillardia aristata Blanketfl ower May-October sun dry 0.7m orange beetle Listrus senilis), butterfl ies sun to partial Geum macrophyllum Large-leaved Avens 0.3-1m yellow May-June moist bees, other insects shade 0.2- pink-pale sun to partial Geum trifl orum Old Man's Whiskers March-April dry bees, other insects 0.4m lavender shade 0.1- bees, other Heterotheca villosa Golden-aster yellow July-October sun dry 0.5m pollinators Nectar source for Round-leaf Alumroot 0.3- sun to partial Heuchera cylindrica white-cream May-July dry hummingbirds and or Yellow Coralbells 0.5m shade pollinator insects Nectar source for Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet Gilia 0.2-1m red-orange May-June sun dry butterfl ies and hummingbirds Bitterroot or Rock 0.01- white to Lewisia rediviva May sun dry bees, beetles Rose 0.03m deep rose Lithophragma Small-fl owered 0.10- light pink March-April sun moist to dry bees, fl ies parvifl orum Woodland Star 0.30m 0.10- yellow or Lomatium ambiguum Wyeth Biscuitroot May-June sun dry bees, fl ies 0.80m white white or Lomatium Large-fruited 0.12- bees, beetles, purplish- March-May sun dry macrocarpum Desert Parsley 50m butterfl ies, fl ies white 0.3- deep blue- sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Lupinus sericeus Silky Lupine April-May dry X 0.6m dark lavendar shade hummingbirds Long-fl owered 0.05- sun to partial Mertensia longifl ora blue Mar-May dry to moist bees Bluebell 0.25m shade

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Botanical Name Common Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Colour Season host up to deep blue bees, butterfl ies, fl ies, Penstemon procerus Little Penstemon June-August sun dry 0.25m lavender hummingbirds up to sun to partial bees, buttferfl ies, Penstemon pruinosus Chelan Penstemon blue-purple May-June dry 0.3m shade fl ies, hummingbirds up to Phacelia hastata Silver-leaf Phacelia white April-May sun dry to moist bees 0.5m white, 0.05- Phlox diffusa Spreading Phlox lavender, or April-May sun to partial sun moist to dry bees 0.1m deep pink white, 0.1- Phlox longifolia Long-leafed Phlox lavender, or April-May sun dry bees 0.4m deep pink sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Potentilla gracilis Slender Cinquefoil 0.4m yellow June-July moist to dry shade other insects 0.05- Sedum divergens Spreading Stonecrop yellow late June-July sun dry bees, other insects 0.15m Lance-leaved 0.05- Sedum lanceolatum yellow late June-July sun dry bees, other insects Stonecrop 0.25m 0.3- August- Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod gold sun dry to moist bees, other insects 1.65m October Symphyotrichum 0.25- August- Lindley's Aster pale blue sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X ciliolatum 1.0m September Symphyotrichum 0.3- August- sun to partial Leafy Aster pale lavender dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X foliaceum 0.4m October shade Urtica dioica sun to partial Native Stinging Nettle 1-3m whiteish July-August moist to wet bees, butterfl ies X spp. gracilis shade 0.02- sun to partial Viola adunca Sand Violet violet April-June dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X 0.1m shade Vines Clematis Western White sun to partial 6-20m white May-June dry to moist bees, fl ies ligusticifolium Clematis shade up to orange- sun to partial Lonicera ciliosa Orange Honeysuckle May-July dry to moist bees, other insects 6m yellow to red shade Shelter Plants (mainly grasses) 0.3- sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca campestris Rough Fescue X 0.9m shade well-drained 0.3- sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca idahoensis Fescue X 0.9m shade well-drained Needle-and-Thread 0.2- Hesperostipa comata sun dry X Grass 0.5m 0.2- dry, well- Koeleria macrantha Junegrass sun X 0.5m drained Nectar source for Pseudoregneria up to dry, well- Bluebunch Wheatgrass sun Skipper & Satyr X spicata 1m drained butterlies

Okanagan Range 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Okanagan Range

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 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 Sunfl owers 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 fl owers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildfl owers 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 fl ower 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 fl ying 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 fl owers. 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 fl ower 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 fl owers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

Okanagan Range 21 A Basic Checklist

S.H.A.R.E. - simply Have areas reserved for the environment. n Planting for pollinators is the fi rst 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 fi eld 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 fl owers 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.

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.efl ora.bc.ca/ Environment Canada Ecozones Program - Okanagan Range http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/210.html Royal BC Museum Native Plant Garden Government of BC, Ministry of Environment www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and- ecosystems/ecosystems/broad-ecosystem/an_introduction_to_the_ Ministry of Environment ecoregions_of_british_columbia.pdf British Columbia www.env.gov.bc.ca/

Pollination/Pollinators Cultivating the Wild - Pollinator Partnership Eva Durance www.pollinator.org Border Free Bees (Okanagan) North American Pollinator Protection Campaign Okanagan Xeriscape Association www.nappc.org Master Gardeners BC

Pollination Canada www.pollinationcanada.ca Feedback We need your help to create better Seeds of Diversity guides for other parts of North www.seeds.ca America. Please e-mail your input to [email protected]. Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 n How will you use this guide? n North American Butterfl y Association Do you fi nd the directions www.naba.org clear? If not, please tell us what is unclear.

Canadian Honey Council n Is there any information you www.honeycouncil.ca feel is missing from the guide?

Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators n Any other comments? Island Press: , DC. Thank you Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of for taking Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!

Okanagan Range 23 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

Contributors: Eva Durance - Author, Cultivating the Wild Eva Antonijevic - Xeriscape Pollinator Gardener Dennis St. John - Lepidopterist (retired) Lincoln Best - Native bee expert Lori Weidenhammer - Author, Victory Gardens for Bees: A DIY Guide to Saving the Bees, Bee story teller Stephanie Aitken - Seed & Sparrow Landscape Design

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