<<

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province

Including the States of

Texas and

and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

Checklist 22

Resources and Feedback 23 This is one of several guides for different regions in the . 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 Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Prairie Parkland

(Subtropical) Province

Including the States of

Texas and Oklahoma

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Conservation Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 3 Why support pollinators?

In t h e i r 1996 b o o k , Th e Fo r g o t t e n Po l l i n a t o r s , Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ Farming feeds 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 with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Cucumbers, figs, blackberries, and blueberries are some of the crops raised in the Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 are a critical billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated link in our food bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused systems.” by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices. -- Paul Growald, Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder, The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us Pollinator partnership understand other pollinators and their roles in the 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 for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the 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 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.

Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

Th i s r e g i o n a l g u i d e i s just one created as a management tool oaks and hickories typically short in a series of plant selection tools and is used to predict responses of stature and widely spaced, and designed to provide information to land management practices various short and medium-to-tall on how individuals can influence throughout large areas. This guide grasses. Bluestem is the principal pollinator populations through addresses pollinator-friendly land grass found throughout the region. choices they make when they farm management practices in what is Local distribution largely depends a plot of ground, manage large known as the Prairie Parkland on soil. Grassland is supported tracts of public land, or plant a (Subtropical) Province. by fine, heavy soils while savanna garden. Each of us can have a This 80,000 square mile province is stands grow in coarse, light soil. positive impact by providing the a region of plains and low hills. A Long before there were homes essential habitat requirements for majority of the area gently slopes and farms in this area, the original, pollinators including food, water, at elevations ranging from sea natural vegetation provided shelter, and enough space to allow level to 1,300 feet. The climate is continuous cover and adjacent pollinators to raise their young. similar to the temperate prairies feeding opportunities for wildlife, Pollinators travel through the but characterized by warmer including pollinators. In choosing landscape without regard to winters (50° to 80°F), and more plants, aim to create habitat for property ownership or state precipitation, most of which falls pollinators that allow adequate food boundaries. We’ve chosen to use year-round as rain. Average annual shelter, and water sources. Most R.G. Bailey’s classification system rainfall ranges from 35 inches in pollinators have very small home to identify the geographic focus the north to 55 inches in the south. ranges. You can make a difference of this guide and to underscore Hurricanes are common in autumn by understanding the vegetation the connections between climate months. patterns of the farm, forest, or and vegetation types that affect This province is characterized by neighbor’s yard adjacent to you the diversity of pollinators in the prairies and savannas that comprise and by making planting choices environment. part of the grassland-forest that support the pollinators’ need Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United transition area in the central U.S. for food and shelter as they move States, developed by the United Vegetation features a few hardy through the landscape. States Forest Service, is a system evergreen , including

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 5 Understanding the Prairie Parkland (Subtropical)

n This region is designated number 255 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html

n Not sure about which bioregion you live or work in? Go to www.pollinator.org and click on Ecoregion Locator for help.

n 80,100 square miles within Texas and Oklahoma.

n Primarily gently rolling to flat plains.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 1,300 feet.

n Average winter temperature from 50° to 60°F, summers from 70° to 80°F.

n Average year-round precipitation ranges from 35 inches in the north to 55 inches in the south.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-9a.

Characteristics

n Comprised of prairies and savannas.

n Vegetation includes oak and hickory and various short and medium-to-tall grasses.

n One of the most altered regions in the U.S.’ threats to habitat include conversion and fragmentation associated with agriculture and development.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Prairie Parkland “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas (Subtropical) Province includes the states of: to improve pollinator habitat makes

Texas and Oklahoma sense in advancing our family farm’s

conservation and economic objectives,

enhancing beneficial wildlife and

improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes spp.), which nest underground; Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Bees are well documented which prefer dead trees or branches pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees agricultural systems of the Prairie (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Parkland (Subtropical). A wide that they find in stems and dead range of crops including cucumbers, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) figs, blackberries, and blueberries are also solitary ground nesters. are just a few plants that benefit from bee pollinators. Butterflies Photo Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting Pair of Reakirt’s Blue butterflies mating. colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for some been the workhorses of agricultural time. These insects tend to be eye- pollination for years in the United catching, as are the that States. They were imported from attract them. Position flowering almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that A female Black Chinned Hummingbird habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It in flight. sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, , February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species . Some of the species in are solitary while others form loose the Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) colonies.

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators are Silver-spotted Skipper, Eastern as butterfly or watching. Yet goldenrod ( spp.), and Tiger Swallowtail, Dainty Sulphur, beetles do play a role in pollination. members of the carrot family like Reakirt’s Blue, and Pearl Crescent Some have a bad reputation because Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). butterflies. They usually look for they can leave a mess behind, flowers that provide a good landing damaging plant parts that they eat. platform. Beetles are not as efficient as some pollinators. They wander between Hummingbirds are the primary Wet mud areas provide butterflies different species, often dropping birds which play a role in pollination with both the moisture and pollen as they go. in . Their long beaks minerals they need to stay healthy. and tongues draw nectar from Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be tubular flowers. Pollen is carried dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with on both the beaks and feathers messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They of different hummingbirds. The are known to pollinate , regions closer to the tropics, with sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw warmer climates, boast the largest Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. number of hummingbird species Moths are most easily distinguished and the greatest number of native from butterflies by their antennae. plants to support the bird’s need for Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies food. White-winged doves (Zenaida swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one asiatica) are also pollinators of the differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the cactus (Carnegeia gigantea) in but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the the south central United States. tip. In addition, butterflies typically number of fly species and the fact are active during the day; moths at that flies are generalist pollinators Bright colored tubular flowers night. Butterfly bodies are not very (visit many species of plants), attract hummingbirds to gardens hairy, while moth bodies are quite should encourage us all to leave throughout the United States. hairy and more stout. those flies alone and let them do Hummingbirds can see the color their job as pollinators. red; bees cannot. Coralbean Moths, generally less colorful growing in the Prairie Parkland than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies (Subtropical) attracts black-chinned in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers hummingbirds. to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status Bats pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study Though bats in the Prairie Parkland states that flies are economically (Subtropical) are not pollinators, important as pollinators for a range bats play an important role in Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental pollination in the other regions Over 30,000 species of beetles are flowers. of the southwest where they feed found in the United States and Plants pollinated by the fly on agave and cactus. The long- many of them can be found on include the American pawpaw nosed bats’ head shape and long heads. Gardeners have yet (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum tongue allows it to delve into flower to intentionally draw beetles to their (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk blossoms and extract both pollen gardens, possibly because beetle cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and nectar. watching isn’t as inspiring

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators prefer? Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, , Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red No t a l l p o l l i n a t o r s a r e found Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white and some are more important patches or reduced in different parts of the United States. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent pollinators where you live. guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes effective for that group of plants. Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a pollination syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Flower Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and pollinator find necessary pollen and shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another.

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 Plant Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind

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

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night

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

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

Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad

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

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

Wh e t h e r y o u a r e a f a r m e r not native, are very good for by butterflies during their larval of many acres, land manager of a pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, development. large tract of land, or a gardener chives, parsley and lavender are with a small lot, you can increase just a few herbs that can be planted. Water: the number of pollinators in your Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and A clean, reliable source of water is area by making conscious choices to single sunflowers support bees and essential to pollinators. include plants that provide essential butterflies. • Natural and human-made water habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, • Recognize weeds that might be a features such as running water, beetles, hummingbirds and other good source of food. For example, pools, ponds, and small containers pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the of water provide drinking and early spring before other flowers bathing opportunities for pollinators. Food: open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have the Baltimore Checkerspot. Flowers provide nectar (high in a shallow or sloping side so the • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest sugar and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in protein) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen also provide Your current landscape probably food for bees, beetles and butterflies. includes many of these elements. Specific plants, known as host Observe wildlife activity in your farm plants, are eaten by the larvae of Shelter: fields, woodlands, and gardens to pollinators such as butterflies. Pollinators need protection from determine what actions you can take • Plant in groups to increase severe weather and from predators to encourage other pollinators to feed pollination efficiency. If a pollinator as well as sites for nesting and and nest. Evaluate the placement of can visit the same type of flower roosting. individual plants and water sources over and over, it doesn’t have to • Incorporate different canopy and use your knowledge of specific relearn how to enter the flower layers in the landscape by planting pollinator needs to guide your choice and can transfer pollen to the same trees, shrubs, and different-sized and placement of additional plants species, instead of squandering the perennial plants. and other habitat elements. Minor pollen on unreceptive flowers. • Leave dead snags for nesting sites changes by many individuals can • Plant with bloom season in mind, of bees, and other dead plants and positively impact the pollinator providing food from early spring to litter for shelter. populations in your area. Watch late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-17) • Build bee boxes to encourage for - and enjoy - the changes in your • Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest landscape! support a variety of pollinators. on your property. Flowers of different color, • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION: Remember that fragrance, and season of bloom to provide ground nesting insects pesticides are largely toxic to on plants of different heights will easy access to underground tunnels. pollinators. Extreme caution is attract different pollinator species • Group plantings so that pollinators warranted if you choose to use and provide pollen and nectar can move safely through the any pesticide. Strategically apply throughout the seasons. landscape protected from predators. pesticides only for problematic • Many herbs and annuals, although • Include plants that are needed target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Cucumbers, figs, blackberries herbicides. Perhaps the targeted and blueberries are a few of the weeds can provide needed food for “ food supplies for food crops in the Prairie Parkland pollinators. (Subtropical) Province that will • Minimize tillage to protect ground benefit from strong native bee nesting pollinators. populations that boost pollination • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical efficiency. Incorporate different throughout the landscape. plants throughout the farm that • Choose a variety of native plants to provide food for native populations act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, to maintaining when targeted crops are not in and field borders throughout the flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm strong hives Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Re­sources Conservation Service pollination to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to the following targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. winter.” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterflies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

Tallgrass prairie Public lands are maintained for programs. restorations specific reasons ranging from high In an effort to increase populations impact recreation to conservation. of pollinators the land manager can: full of diverse In the Prairie Parkland • Inventory and become (Subtropical), habitat has been knowledgeable of local pollinators. flowering greatly threatened by conversion to • Provide connectivity between crops and development associated vegetation areas by creating with high population growth. Less corridors of perennials, shrubs, and plants. Insect disturbed natural areas can be trees that provide pollinators shelter augmented with plantings of native and food as they move through the monitoring plant species. Existing plantings landscape. around buildings and parking areas • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas provides a key should be evaluated to determine that support recreational needs. if pollinator-friendly plants can • Restrict the use of pesticides and be substituted or added to attract herbicides. measure of our and support pollinators. Public • Provide water sources in large land managers have a unique open areas. success.” opportunity to use their plantings • Maintain natural meadows and as an education tool to help others openings that provide habitats for -- Logan Lee understand the importance of sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. Prairie Supervisor, Midewin pollinators in the environment • Remove invasive species and National Tallgrass Prairie through signs, brochures, and public encroaching shrubs and trees.

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “ A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and property provides an essential on web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose home. pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you that specialized cultivars sometimes -- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than garden club of America the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some altered plants 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 native plant society can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”

Botanical Common Name Name Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Annual Flowers Argemone albiflora White Prickly Poppy white white white white white

Castilleja indivisa Indian Paintbrush red red red American white- white- Centaurea americana Basketflower purple purple Chamaechrista fasiculata Partridge Pea yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Golden-Wave yellow w/red yellow w/ yellow w/ yellow w/ basalis Tickseed center red center red center red center yellow w/ yellow w/red yellow w/ yellow w/ yellow w/ Coreopsis tinctoria Plains Coreopsis red center center red center red center red center Eustoma grandiflorum Texas Bluebells purple purple purple purple purple red w/ Indian Blanket yellow red w/ red w/ tips yellow tips yellow tips Common Sunflower yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow

Lupinus texensis Texas blue blue blue Cutleaf Evening Oenothera laciniata Primrose yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Phacelia congesta Blue Curls blue blue blue

Phlox drummondii Drummond Phlox pink pink pink pink louisianica Devil’s Claw purple purple purple purple Sabatia campestris Meadow Pinks pink pink pink pink pink

Verbesina encelioides Cowpen Daisy yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Perennial Flowers Aquilegia canadensis Red Columbine red red red

Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed orange orange orange orange orange

Asclepias viridis Green Milkweed green green green green green green

Callirhoe involucrata Winecup pink pink pink pink pink

Camassia scilloides Wild Hyacinth

Castilleja purpurea Prairie Paintbrush

Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Coreopsis yellow yellow yellow

Dalea aurea Golden Dalea yellow yellow

Dalea candida White Prairie Clover white white

Dalea purpurea Purple Prairie Clover red-purple red-purple

Delphinium virescens Prairie Larkspur blue blue blue

Desmanthus illinoensis Bundleflower white white white white white

Echinacia angustifolia Purple coneflower purple purple

Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master white white white white

Eupatorium serotinum White Boneset white white white

Gaillardia suavis Pincushion Daisy red red red

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Name Name Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec white to white to white to white to white to white to Guara lindheimeri White Gaura white to red red white to red red red red red red Maximillian Helianthus maximiliani sunflower yellow yellow yellow Liatris mucronata Gayfeather Gayfeather, Blazing Liatris pyncnostachya Star pink pink pink pink pink Linum lewisii Blue Flax blue blue blue blue blue

Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower red red red red

Marshallia caespitosa Barbara’s Buttons white white white

Monarda fistulosa Bergamot purple purple purple Oenothera missouriensis Primrose yellow yellow yellow Pink Evening Oenothera speciosa Primrose pink pink pink pink pink white- Penstemon cobaea Foxglove white-purple purple Penstemon laxiflorus Beardtongue pink pink pink pink Physostegia intermedia Obedient Plant pink pink red or red or red or Ratibida columnifera Mexican Hat red or yellow yellow yellow yellow Black-Eyed Susan yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow

Rudbeckia maxima Giant Coneflower yellow yellow

Salvia azurea Pitcher Sage blue blue blue blue blue blue blue

Salvia coccinea Scarlet Sage red red red red red red

Salvia engelmannii Englemann Sage red red red

Solidago gigantea Giant Goldenrod yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow

Solidago nemoralis Prairie Goldenrod yellow yellow Tradescantia occidentalis Spiderwort purple purple purple Verbesina virginica Frostweed white white white white

Vernonia baldwinii Western Ironweed purple purple purple purple Shrubs American Beautyberry purple purple purple Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush white white Dalea frutescens Black Dalea purple purple purple purple Vines Campsis radicans Trumpetvine orange orange orange orange

Passiflora incarnata Passionflower lavender lavender lavender lavender Trees Cercis canadensis var. texensis Texas Redbud lavender lavender

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators FOR THE Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) (Western Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairies) 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. Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator Annual Flowers sand, loam, clay, caliche- bees, beetles, flies, Argemone albiflora White Prickly Poppy white 2-4’ Mar-July sun to partial sun well drained butterflies sand, loam, clay-well Castilleja indivisa Indian Paintbrush red 6-18” Mar-May full sun drained beetles, butterflies sand, loam, clay-medium- bees, beetles, flies, Centaurea americana American Basketflower white-purple 2-5’ May-June full sun moist butterflies sand, loam, clay-well Chamaechrista fasiculata Partridge Pea yellow 1-3’ June-Oct sun to partial sun drained bees bees, beetles, flies, Coreopsis basalis Golden-Wave Tickseed yellow w/red center 8-16” Apr-July sun to partial sun sand-well drained butterflies sand, loam, clay-medium- bees, beetles, flies, Coreopsis tinctoria Plains Coreopsis yellow w/red center 1-2’ Mar-July sun to partial sun moist butterflies Eustoma grandiflorum Texas Bluebells purple 1-2’ June-Oct sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay bees sand, loam, clay-well bees, beetles, flies, Gaillardia pulchella Indian Blanket red w/yellow tips 1-2’ May-July sun to partial sun drained butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower yellow 2-8’ May-Oct sun to partial sun moist songbirds,butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Lupinus texensis Texas Bluebonnet blue 6-20” Mar-May full sun well drained bees Cutleaf Evening Oenothera laciniata Primrose yellow 2-10” Mar-Oct sun to partial sun sand beetles, butterflies Phacelia congesta Blue Curls blue 1-3’ Mar-May full sun to shade sand, loam, clay bees Phlox drummondii Drummond Phlox pink 6-18” Mar-June sun to partial sun sand-well drained butterflies Devil’s Claw purple 1-2’ June-Sept full sun sand, loam, clay bees Sabatia campestris Meadow Pinks pink 9-12” Mar-July sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay bees, beetles bees, beetles, flies, Verbesina encelioides Cowpen Daisy yellow 1-4’ April-Oct full sun sand butterflies Perennial Flowers Aquilegia canadensis Red Columbine red 1-2’ Mar-May partial sun to shade sand,loam hummingbirds sand, loam, clay-well Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed orange 10-20” May-Sept sun to partial sun drained bees, butterflies Asclepias viridis Green Milkweed green 1-2’ Apr-Sept full sun sand, loam, clay, caliche bees, butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Callirhoe involucrata Winecup pink 6-12” Feb-June sun to partial sun well drained beetles full sun to dappled Camassia scilloides Wild Hyacinth blue 1-2’ Mar-May shade sand, loam, clay hawkmoths bees, beetles, flies, Castilleja purpurea Prairie Paintbrush purple 6-18” Mar-May full sun sand, loam, clay, caliche butterflies sand, loam, clay-well Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Coreopsis yellow 2-3’ May-July sun to partial sun drained bees, beetles,butterflies Dalea aurea Golden Dalea yellow 1-2’ June-July full sun sand, caliche bees Dalea candida White Prairie Clover white 2-3’ June-July full sun clay, caliche-well drained bees loam, clay, caliche-dry Dalea purpurea Purple Prairie Clover red-purple 1-3’ June-July full sun medium bees Delphinium virescens Prairie Larkspur blue 1-3’ Apr-June sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay bees sand, loam, clay, caliche- Desmanthus illinoensis Illinois Bundleflower white 1-3’ May-Sept sun to partial sun well drained bees sand, loam, clay-well- Echinacia angustifolia Purple coneflower purple 2’ May-June sun to partial sun drained butterflies Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master white 8-20” Apr-July sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay bees, beetles, butterflies

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator Eupatorium serotinum White Boneset white 2-4’ Aug-Oct full sun to shade sand, loam, clay bees, butterflies Gaillardia suavis Pincushion Daisy red 1-2’ Mar-May full sun sand, loam, clay bees, beetles,butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- butterflies, bees, Guara lindheimeri White Gaura white to red 2-5’ Apr-Nov full sun well drained hummingbirds sand, loam, clay-medium- Helianthus maximiliani Maximillian sunflower yellow 4-6’ Aug-Oct sun to partial sun moist butterflies, bees sand, loam, clay, caliche- Liatris mucronata Gayfeather pink 1-3’ Aug-Dec sun to partial sun well drained bees, butterflies Gayfeather, Blazing sand, loam, clay-medium- Liatris pyncnostachya Star pink 1-3’ Aug-Dec sun to partial sun moist bees, butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Linum lewisii Blue Flax blue 1-2’ May-Sept sun to partial sun dry bees Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower red 1-4’ July-Oct sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay hummingbirds sand, loam, clay, caliche- Marshallia caespitosa Barbara’s Buttons white 8-18” Apr-June sun to partial sun medium bees, beetles, butterflies bees, butterflies, Monarda fistulosa Bergamot purple 1-3’ May-July sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay-medium hummingbirds Oenothera missouriensis Missouri Primrose yellow 3-12” Apr-June full sun sand, caliche-well drained bees, moths, butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Oenothera speciosa Pink Evening Primrose pink 1-2’ Mar-July sun to partial sun medium bees, moths, butterflies sand, loam, clay, caliche- Penstemon cobaea Foxglove white-purple 12-18” Apr-May sun to partial sun well drained bees Penstemon laxiflorus Beardtongue pink 1-2’ Mar-June sun to partial sun sand-well drained bees Physostegia intermedia Obedient Plant pink 12-36” May-June full sun to shade sand, caliche-well drained bees sand, loam, clay, caliche- Ratibida columnifera Mexican Hat red or yellow 1-3’ Apr-July sun to partial sun well drained bees, butterflies sand, loam, clay-well Rudbeckia hirta Black-Eyed Susan yellow 1-3’ May-Nov sun to partial sun drained bees, butterflies Rudbeckia maxima Giant Coneflower yellow 3-6’ May-June sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay bees Salvia azurea Pitcher Sage blue 2-3’ May-Nov sun to partial sun sand, loam, clay-medium bees sand, loam, clay, caliche- Salvia coccinea Scarlet Sage red 6-30” May-Oct sun to partial sun medium-moist hummingbirds sand, loam, clay, caliche- Salvia engelmannii Englemann Sage red 12-18” Apr-June sun to partial sun medium bees, hummingbirds Solidago gigantea Giant Goldenrod yellow 3-5’ July-Nov sun to dappled sun loam, clay bees, beetles, butterflies Solidago nemoralis Prairie Goldenrod yellow 8-24” Sept-Oct full sun sand, loam, clay, caliche bees, beetles, butterflies sand, loam, clay-medium- Tradescantia occidentalis Spiderwort purple 12-18” Apr-June sun to partial sun moist bees Verbesina virginica Frostweed white 3-6’ Aug-Nov full sun to shade sand, loam, clay bees, butterflies full sun to dappled Vernonia baldwinii Western Ironweed purple 2-4’ June-Sept shade sand, loam, clay, caliche bees, beetles, butterflies Shrubs sand, loam, clay-well Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry purple 3-4’ May-July dappled sun to shade drained bees Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush white to 9’ June-July sun moist to flooded bees, beetles, butterflies Dalea frutescens Black Dalea purple 1-3’ July-Oct full sun sand, clay, caliche bees Vines Campsis radicans Trumpetvine orange Jun-Sept full to dappled sun sand, loam, clay, caliche hummingbirds incarnata Passionflower lavender May-Aug full to dappled sun sand, loam, clay bees, beetles, butterflies Trees Cercis canadensis var. texensis Texas Redbud lavender sm. tree Mar-Apr sun to partial sun loam, clay, caliche bees

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Prairie Parkland (Subtropical)

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR 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 Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x 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 Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x 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:

Bumble Bees: 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 and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. 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: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. 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 weather.

Digger bees: Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.

Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “ MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or BUTTERFLIES pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in the wilted flowers. NEVER FAIL TO Leafcutter bees: Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not CATCH THE just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather. VISITOR’S EYE Mason bees: Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or AND ALWAYS human-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted into cans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. LEAD TO Sweat bees: Bare ground, compacted soil, sunny areas not covered by vegetation. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later. A TEACHABLE

Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. MOMENT.” Yellow-faced bees: -- LOGAN LEE, In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR Andrenid bees: Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. PRAIRIE

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 21 A Basic Checklist

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. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you first get started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow flower that blooms in the fall. 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 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 Committee on the Status of were consulted to gather information Pollinators in North America. 2007. Butterflies and Moths for this guide. Use this list as a Status of Pollinators in North America Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about The National Academies Press: Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, pollinators and plants in your area. , DC. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, Native Plants MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Information Node. Plant Conservation Alliance www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service www.nps.gov/plants (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ Seeds of Success ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html www.nps.gov/plants/sos Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Pollination/Pollinators www.wildflower.org/plants/ 2003. Butterflies of North America. Houghton Mifflin. , NY. USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pollinator Partnership www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association U.S. National Arboretum Coevolution Institute www.naba.org www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ www.coevolution.org ushzmap.html Natural Resources USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Conservation Service Database Feedback www.nrcs.usda.gov www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 North American Pollinator National Plant Data Center, We need your help to create better Protection Campaign Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA guides for other parts of North www.nappc.org America. Please e-mail your input USDA Forest Service Native Bees to [email protected] www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ or fax to 415-362-3070. Wild Farm Alliance National Sustainable Information n www.wildfarmalliance.org Service How will you use this guide? “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” Xerces Society Pollinator Program by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture n Do you find the directions www.xerces.org Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA clear? If not, please tell us Shepherd, MD, S. Buchmann, Publication #IP126 what is unclear. M. Vaughan, and S. Black. www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ 2003. Pollinator Conservation nativebee.html n Is there any information you Handbook. Xerces Society for feel is missing from the guide? Invertebrate Conservation. Portland, OR. Agriculture Research Service Plants Attractive to Native Bees table n Any other comments? Illinois Natural History Survey www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. www.inhs.uiuc.edu htm?docid=12052 Thank you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Christopher O’Toole and Anthony for taking 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Raw. 1999. Bees of the World. the time to help! Island Press: Washington, DC. Blandford. London, UK.

Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz

Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Plant Conservation Alliance Concept review: American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette, Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers

Photo Contributor: Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland, http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinator.org The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign 423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137 24 www.pollinator.org d www.nappc.org Selecting Plants for Pollinators