Trees and Shrubs: Suggested Native Species for Pollinators There are many trees species that are as important to pollinating insects, birds, and animals as annual, perennial, and vegetable plants. Not only do these trees provide pollen or nectar they are also sources of habitats for roosting, nesting, and protection. Select native plant species whenever possible to support native pollinators. Select species that will flower at different times throughout the season, giving pollinators a continuous food source. Some suggestions have flowers that are not showy to humans but are loved by pollinators.
Trees
Common name/ Height Flowering Time Flower Color Sun/Shade Botanical name American Mountain Ash/ to 30' June-July White Sun/part shade Sorbus Americana American Witchhazel/ 12-15' Sept.-Nov. Yellow Sun/Shade Hamamelis virginiana Blackgum/Tupelo/ 60-80' May-June Yellowish green Sun/part shade Nyssa sylvatica Chokecherry/ 16' May-June White Sun/part shade Prunus virginiana Crabapple/ 12-40' April-May Pink/white Sun Malus sp. Eastern Redbud/ 20-30' May-June Magenta Sun/part shade Cercis canadensis Flowering Dogwood/ 30' mid-May Yellowish green Sun/part shade Cornus florida Maple/ to 75' April Yellowish green Sun Acer sp. Roundleaf Dogwood/ 12' June White Sun/part shade Cornus rugosa Serviceberry/ 6-20' late March White Sun Amelanchier sp. Staghorn Sumac/ 15-25' June Greenish yellow Sun/part shade Rhus typhina Tulip Tree/ 70-90' late-may to mid-June Yellow green Sun Liriodendron tulipifera
Shrubs Common name/ Height Flowering Time Flower Color Sun/Shade Botanical name American pussy willow/ to 20' March-April Yellow/green Sun/shade Salix discolor Arrowwood viburnum/ 5-9' May to early-June Creamy white Sun/part shade Viburnum dentatum Black Chokeberry/ 4-6' May-June White Sun/part shade Photinia melanocarpa Bush Honeysuckle/ 1/2-3' June-July Yellow Sun/shade Diervilla lonicera Buttonbush/ 3-6' June, July, August Creamy white Sun/part shade Cephalanthus Occidentalis Catberry/ 6-8' June-July Inconspicuous/ white Sun/part shade Ilex mucronata Cinquefoil/ 3-4' May-June Yellow Sun/part shade Dasiphora fruticose Common ninebark/ 6-10' May-June Whitish pink Sun/part shade Physocarpus opulifolius Common snowberry/ 3-4' June-July Pink Sun/part shade Symphoricarpos albus Eastern Teaberry/ 4-8' May-June Pink Sun/part shade Gaultheria procumbens Highbush blueberry/ 7-9' June-July White Sun/part shade Vaccinium corymbosum Kinnikinick/ 2-6' May-June Purple-blue Sun/part shade Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Leatherleaf/ 1-3' May-July White Sun/part shade Chamaedaphne calyculata Mapleleaf viburnum/ 4-5' May-June White Sun/part shade Viburnum acerfolium New Jersey Tea/ 1-3' June-August White Sun/part shade Ceanothus americanus Pinxterbloom azalea/ 4-6' late May Pale pink Sun/part shade Rhododendron periclymenoides Rhodora/ 3-4' June-July Rose pink Sun/part shade Rhododendron canadense Serviceberry/ 6-20' late March White Sun Amelanchier canadensis Swamp azalea/ 5' June White to pale pnk Part shade Rhododendron viscosum Sweet pepperbush/ 5-8' July & August White Sun/part shade Clethra alnifolia Trailing Arbutus/ 1-3' May-July White to pink Sun/part shade Epigaea repens Virginia rose/ 4-6' June-July Rose pink Sun Rosa virginiana White mountainsweet/ 3-6' June-Sept. White to pink Sun Spirea alba Winterberry/ 6-10' June-July White Sun/shade Ilex verticillata
Despite good cultural practices, pests and diseases at times may appear. Chemical control should be used only after all other methods have failed. For pesticide information please call UConn Home and Garden Education Center weekdays, in Connecticut call toll free 877-486-6271. Out of state call 860-486- 6271. UConn Home and Garden Education Center, 2017 The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law. Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations. The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gregory J. Weidemann, Director, Cooperative Extension System, the University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.