Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Fraser Basin Ecoregion

Prince George,

Fort St. James,

and Quesnel Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Fraser Basin 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Notes 19

Habitat hints 20

Habitat and Nesting requirements 21

This is one of several guides for S.H.A.R.E. 22 different regions of North America. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides Checklist 22 useful. Please contact us at [email protected] Resources and Feedback 23

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Fraser Basin

Ecoregion

Prince George,

Fort St. James,

and Quesnel

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

Fraser Basin 3 Why support pollinators?

IN THEIR 1996 BOOK, THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% “Flowering plants 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 intricate across wild, 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. The Fraser Basin ecoregion covers the plateaus and plains of north-central . Much of this area is remote and extensively forested. Given the region has a shorter growing season, actually feed the agriculture is typically limited to ranching and forage crop production throughout. Regardless, these crops and ecosystems still depend on native bees, such as bumble bees, and non-native bees, such as honey bees, for terrestrial world, seed and fruit production. British Columbia supports over 450 native species of bees! 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 actions supporting native pollinators are increasingly active. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact connectors who honey bee 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 enable this giant 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 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.”

Laurie Davies Adams – Roger Lang, Chairman, Executive Director Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

Fraser Basin 5 Understanding the Fraser Basin

n The Fraser Basin is part of the larger Montane Cordillera Ecozone and encompasses the Nechako Lowlands, the northern , the southern portion of the Northern Rocky Mountain Trench, and the western part of the MacGregor Plateau. The total population of the ecoregion is approximately 110,600. 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 Topography of the region is characterized by gently rolling upland and lowland areas. The watershed consists of the Fraser River and its tributaries. n Mean annual temperatures are approximately 3°C with a mean summer temperature of 12.5°C and a mean winter temperature of -8°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges from 600-800 mm, with the highest levels of precipitation occurring at higher elevations. n The area has a sub-continental climate, typifi ed by cold winters, warm summers, and precipitation that is equal in summer and winter.

Characteristics n The dominant vegetation is dense coniferous forest, from valley bottom to timberline, with increased shrub and tree cover on the scattered wetlands. Deciduous forests are more common here than Photo: trapperdi in the adjacent ecoregions to the south. n Forests are characterized by mixed stands of trembling aspen, paper birch, lodgepole pine, and the climax species, white and black spruce. n The sub-Alpine zone supports forests of lodgepole pine, which develop after fi res, as well as Engelmann spruce and alpine fi r. n Forestry is the predominant land use, making habitat fragmentation by logging activities a concern for species that need habitat connectivity. n Although extensive cattle and forage crop production dominate much of this region, the Fraser Basin also supports a diversity of agricultural products from grass and hardy legumes, grains, and oilseeds, to root crops, other vegetables, and some tree fruits, berries, and nuts.

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

Fraser Basin includes: Prince George, Fort St. James, and Quesnel

Fraser Basin 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the old rodent burrows or dense thatches. They are generalists, feeding on a pollinators? wide range of plant types from May to September and are important pollinators Bees of tomatoes and blueberries. Sweat Bees are best documented pollinators in bees (family Halictidae) are medium to the natural and agricultural landscapes small-sized, slender bees that commonly in Canada, including the Fraser Basin nest underground. Various species are ecoregion. Agriculture in this ecoregion solitary while others form loose colonies, is predominately ranching and forage nesting side-by-side. Other common country, however, some parts of the solitary bees include mining bees, Fraser Basin support a diversity of (Andrena spp.), which nest underground agricultural products. A wide range of and are common in the spring; leaf- wild and crop plants, including plants in cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which the Aster and Rose families, agricultural prefer dead trees or branches for their crop, specialty crop, and some forage nest sites; and mason bees (Osmia spp.), crops, all benefi t from bee pollinators. which utilize cavities they fi nd in stems and dead wood that they fi ll with mud. Most of us are familiar with the colonies of honey bees that have Butterfl ies been the workhorses of agricultural pollination for years in Canada. They Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny areas were imported from Europe almost 400 such as meadows and along woodland years ago and continue to be managed edges that provide bright fl owers, water for honey production and pollination sources, and specifi c host plants for

Photo: ChristinaPrinn services. There are over 800 species of their caterpillars. Gardeners have been Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus native ground and twig nesting bees attracting butterfl ies to their gardens for some time. To encourage butterfl ies rufus) is a breeding resident in the in Canada, and over 400 in British place fl owering plants where they have Fraser Basin ecoregion. Columbia. Most of these bee species live a solitary life; a minority are social and full sun and are protected from the form colonies or nest in aggregations. wind. They usually look for fl owers that provide a good landing platform. Native bees visit and pollinate many Butterfl ies need open areas (e.g., bare crops; in many cases they are better at earth, large stones) where they can transferring pollen than honey bees. bask, and moist soil from which they Our native bees can be encouraged wick needed minerals. Butterfl ies eat to do more to support agricultural rotten fruit and even dung, so don’t endeavours if their needs for nesting clean up all the messes in your garden! habitat are met and if suitable sources of Anise Swallowtail By providing a safe place to eat and nectar, pollen, and water are provided. nest, gardeners can also support the Bees come in a variety of body shapes pollination role that butterfl ies play in and sizes, and even have tongues of the landscape. British Columbia has different lengths. Native bees visit the the largest diversity of butterfl ies in widest range of fl owers and crops of any Canada, with 187 known species, with pollinator group. over 184 species in British Columbia! There are over 35 species of bumble bees Some of the butterfl ies that have been in BC. Bombus nevadensis is our largest; found in the Fraser Basin ecoregion and Bombus insularis is a cleptoparasitic include the Anise Swallowtail (Papilio bee (Cockoo Bee), laying her eggs in zelicaon), Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus other bumble bee nests. Bumble bees palaemon), Spring Azure (Cela strina), (Bombus spp.) form small colonies, and Pink-edged Sulphur ( interior)

Photo: yhelfman usually underground making use of

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths from fl ower to fl ower. Flies primarily Species at Risk pollinate small fl owers that bloom Moths are most easily distinguished under shade and in seasonally moist Species at Risk (SAR) are ones whose from butterfl ies by their antennae. habitats, but are also economically survival is endangered, threatened, or Butterfl y antennae are simple with a important as pollinators for a range of special concern. Some pollinator swelling at the end. Moth antennae of annual and bulbous ornamental species such as the Karner Blue differ from simple to featherlike, fl owers. Plants pollinated by fl ies butterfl y have already been extirpated but never have a swelling at the tip. include the American pawpaw (Asimina from some regions in Canada. The Butterfl y bodies are not very hairy, triloba), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus Viceroy butterfl y (Limenitis archipuss) while moth bodies are quite hairy and foetidus), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), used to be common throughout the much stouter. In addition, butterfl ies and members of the carrot family southern Interior of British Columbia is typically are active during the day; (Daucus spp.). a red-listed taxon in BC and is thought moths at night. They are attracted to to be extirpated. Other species that fl owers that are strongly sweet smelling, Birds were once common have become rare, open in late afternoon or night, and are such as the Yellow-banded bumble typically white or pale coloured. Hummingbirds are the primary birds bee (Bombus terricola). Because habitat that play a role in pollination in North loss is one of the largest threats facing Beetles America. Their long beaks and tongues pollinators, the very best thing you can draw nectar from tubular fl owers. do is plant for them. There are more than 9000 species Pollen is carried on both their beaks of beetles in Canada and many of and feathers. Regions closer to the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee them can be found easily by looking tropics, with warmer climates, boast • The Yellow-banded bumble bee inside fl ower heads. Gardeners have the largest number of hummingbird (Bombus terricola) was historically yet to intentionally draw beetles to species and the greatest number of found throughout much of Canada, their gardens, possibly because beetle native plants to support their need including parts of west and eastern watching isn’t as inspiring as butterfl y for food. A number of hummingbirds British Columbia, all the way to the or bird watching. Yet beetles do play spend the summer in British Columbia. northwest where British Columbia a role in pollination. Some have a bad Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus borders the Yukon. reputation because they can leave a rufus) are breeding residents and can mess behind, damaging plant parts as be found throughout the Fraser Basin • Previously one of the most common they eat pollen. Beetle pollinated plants ecoregion, as well as other areas in BC. bumble bee species in Canada tend to be large, strong scented fl owers within its range. Hummingbirds can see the colour and have the anthers and stigma • It has declined signifi cantly in exposed. Beetles are known to pollinate red; bees cannot. Many tropical fl owers, grown as annuals, along with areas of southern Canada, possibly magnolia, American pawpaw, and due to pathogens that transferred yellow pond lilies. native woodland edge plants, attract hummingbirds. from managed bumble bees to wild Flies populations, and habitat loss, and Bats pesticide use. It may be hard to imagine why one • It was designated with a would want to attract fl ies to the Though bat species in Canada are not pollinators, bats in the south COSEWIC status of ‘Special garden. However, fl ies are one of the Concern’ in 2015, a Provincial most diverse group of pollinators. western and Mexico are important pollinators of agave status of ‘Special Concern’ in 2016, They include colouful fl ower fl ies and and a Federal status of ‘Special hover fl ies (Syrphidae), active bee fl ies and cactus. The head shape and long tongues of nectar bats allows them to Concern’ under the Species at Risk (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges that visit Act in 2018. many plant species. Like bees, fl ies are delve into fl ower blossoms and extract hairy and can easily transport pollen both pollen and nectar; pollen covers • Typically, this species occurs in their hairy bodies and is transfer as the gap areas where the western they move from plant to plant. bumble bee is not found (also a once common, but becoming more rare species found throughout Western North America).

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

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 Trait Bees Beetles Birds Butterfl ies Flies Moths Wind

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fraser Basin 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Fraser Basin 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of but it is important to remember plants to use in their gardens. that you are trying to provide Native plants, plants introduced connectivity to the landscape from years of plant exploration adjacent to your property. Don’t from around the world, and plants just look within your property developed by professional and boundaries. If your neighbour’s amateur breeders can be found in property provides an essential garden centres, in catalogs, and on element, such as water, which can web-sites. Use your knowledge of be utilized by pollinators visiting pollinator needs and in your land, you may be able to this document to guide your choices. devote more space to habitat • Choose a variety of plants that elements that are missing nearby. will provide nectar and pollen It is best to use native plants which throughout the growing season. have evolved to support the needs • Resist the urge to have a totally of specifi c native pollinators. Some manicured lawn and garden. Leave pollinators, however, are generalists bare ground for ground nesting and visit many different plants, both bees. Leave areas of dead wood and native and non-native. Be sure that leaf litter for other insects. any non-native plants you choose • Find local resources to help to use are not invasive. Remember you in your efforts. Contact your that specialized cultivars sometimes local Native Plant Society, or aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers environmental conservation groups. that have been drastically altered, Visit your regional botanic gardens such as cultivars with double petals and arboreta. or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent The scale of your plantings will vary 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 local native plant nursery or native plant study group can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Fraser Basin 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Fraser Basin

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 Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs

Adoxaceae Sambucus sun to partial moist to bees, Red Elderberry 1-6m white June-July (Honeysuckle) racemosa shade wet hummingbirds

Berberidaceae Mahonia sun to partial dry to bees, tall -grape 0.5-2.5m yellow March-April (Barberry) aquifolium shade moist butterfl ies Caprifoliaceae Lonicera purple & bees, other Black Twinberry 0.5-5m May-June sun moist (Valerian) involucrata yellow insects Symphoricarpos Common pale pink- sun to partial dry to bees, 0.5-3m March-May X albus Snowberry white shade moist butterfl ies moist, Cornaceae Red-Osier greenish- sun to partial Cornus sericea 2-4m March-April well butterfl ies X (Dogwood) Dogwood white shade drained up to sun to partial bees, other Cornus canadensis Bunchberry white April-May moist 0.25m shade insects Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus Silverberry or silvery dry to up to 3m May-June sun bees (Oleaster) commutata Wolf-willow yellow moist Shepherdia partial to full dry, well Buffaloberry 1-2m yellowish March-May bees canadensis shade drained Arctostaphylos 0.05- sun to partial bees, Kinnikinnick pale pink March-May dry X (Crowberry) uva-ursi 0.15m shade butterfl ies Ledum 0.3-0.8 partial sun to moist to Labrador Tea white May-July bees, fl ies groenlandicum m shade wet up to white to moist to bees, Dwarf Blueberry May-July sun X caespitosum 0.3m pinkish wet butterfl ies Vaccinium up to white to sun to partial dry to bees, Black Huckleberry June-July membranaceum 1.5m pinkish shade moist butterfl ies Vaccinium Oval-leaved white to sun to partial bees, up to 2m July-August moist ovalifolium Blueberry pinkish shade butterfl ies Grossulariaceae Ribes Northern sun to partial moist to bees, other 0.5-2m white May (Currant) hudsonianum Blackcurrant shade wet insects Amelanchier sun to partial moist to Rosaceae (Rose) Saskatoon 1-5m white April bees, fl ies X alnifolia shade dry dry to bees, Prunus creamy moist, Bittercherry 2-15m April-May sun butterfl ies, X emarginata white well moths drained partial sun to Prunus parvifl orus Thimbleberry 0.5-2 m white May-July moist bees, fl ies shade dry to bees, creamy sun to partial moist, Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6-10m March-May butterfl ies, X white shade well moths drained sun, partial dry to bees, other Rosa acicularis Prickly Rose 1-3m pink May-June shade to moist insects shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Western sun to partial Sorbus scopulina 1-5m white March-May moist bees Mountain-ash shade Spiraea betulifolia White Meadow- sun to partial dry to bees, other 0.2-0.9m white May-July (S.lucida) sweet shade moist insects up to creamy sun to partial wet to Salicaceae (Willow) Salix bebbiana Bebb’s Willow March-April bees 10m yellow shade moist Grey-leaved greenish sun to partial wet to Salix glauca up to 3m May-June bees Willow yellow shade moist Salix False Mountain greenish sun to partial 1-6m March-April moist bees pseudomonticola Willow yellow shade moist, up to sun to partial Salix scouleriana Scouler’s Willow greenish March-April well bees X 10m shade drained sun to partial moist to Salix sitchensis Sitka Willow 1-8m greenish March-April bees shade wet Sapindaceae Acer glabrum var. yellow- sun to partial dry to Douglas Maple 1-10m April-May bees (Horse-chestnut) douglasii green shade moist Forbs - Non-woody Flowering Plants Apiaceae Heracleum partial shade moist to Cow Parsnip 1-3 m white May-July bees, fl ies (Carrot) lanatum - shade wet Achillea bees, beetles, (Aster) Common Yarrow 0.75m white-pink April-July sun dry X millefolium butterfl ies Anaphalis up to white & sun to partial dry to bees, Pearly Everlasting June-July margaritacea 0.9m yellow shade moist butterfl ies August- dry to bees, conspicua Showy Aster up to 1m violet sun X September moist butterfl ies blue Mertensia Tall Bluebell; 0.2-1.5 partial shade (sometimes June-July moist bumble bees paniculata Northern Bluebell m to shade pink, white) bees, Mountain Forget- July- Myosotis asiatica 0.1-0.3m bright blue sun moist butterfl ies, fl ies, me-not September moths Sedum Lance-leaved 0.05- bees, other yellow late June-July sun dry lanceolatum Stonecrop 0.25m insects white to Lathyrus sun to partial dry to Creamy Peavine 0.3-1 m yellowish June-July bees ochroleucus shade moist white bees, bluish sun to partial moist to Lupinus arcticus Arctic lupine 0.2-0.6m April-May butterfl ies, purple shade mesic hummingbirds white-pink bees, Lupinus Large-leaved up to sun to partial to purpulish- May-July moist butterfl ies, polyphyllus Lupine 1.5m shade blue hummingbirds Spike-like 0.05- August- dry to bees, other Solidago simplex yellow sun Goldenrod 0.8m October moist insects Symphyotrichum 0.25- August- dry to bees, Lindley’s Aster pale blue sun X ciliolatum 1.0m September moist butterfl ies bluish purple to sun to partial dry to Vicia americana American Vetch 0.15-1 m June-August bees reddish shade moist purple continued on page 18

Fraser Basin 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Fraser Basin

Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host bees, Geraniaceae Geranium Bicknell’s 0.05- bluish March-May sun moist butterfl ies, (Geranium) bicknellii Geranium 0.6m purple hummingbirds Chamaenerion Onagraceae angustifolium purplish- dry to bees, Fireweed 1-3m June-August sun (Evening Primrose) (Epilobium pink moist hummingbirds angustifolium) Orobanchaeceae Common Red sun to partial Castilleja miniata 0.8m red April-May dry bees (Broom-rape) Paintbrush shade orange-red bees, Ranunculaceae up to sepals; sun to partial normal Aquilegia formosa Sitka Columbine March-April butterfl ies, (Buttercup) 0.5m yellow inner shade to moist hummingbirds petals Fragaria up to sun to partial moist to bees, other Wild Strawberry white April-May virginiana 0.3m shade dry insects Geum Large-leaved sun to partial bees, other 0.3-1m yellow May-June moist macrophyllum Avens shade insects Potentilla Common 0.05- sun to partial bees, beetles, yellow April-May moist anserina Silverweed 0.25m shade fl ies up to reddish sun to partial Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil June-July wet fl ies (bees?) 1 m purple shade Rubiaceae Northern creamy moist to Galium boreale 0.2-0.8m April-May sun fl ies, beetles (Madder) Bedstraw white dry Urtica dioica spp. Native Stinging sun to partial moist to bees, Urticaceae (Nettle) 1-3m whiteish July-August X gracilis Nettle shade wet butterfl ies 0.02- sun to partial dry to bees, Violaceae (Violet) Viola adunca Sand Violet violet April-June X 0.1m shade moist butterfl ies Round-leaved 0.03- sun to partial mesic to bees, Viola orbiculata yellow April-May X Violet 0.05m shade moist butterfl ies Shelter Plants Dryopteridaceae Athyrium fi lix- sun to partial moist to Lady Fern 0.3-1.8m (Wood Fern) femina shade wet Dryopteris sun to partial Spiny Wood Fern up to 1m moist expansa shade Koeleria dry, well- Junegrass 0.2-0.5m sun X macrantha drained

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators NOTES

Fraser Basin 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Western

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.

Fraser Basin 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. n Provide safe access to clean water.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and Native Plants plants in your area. Native Plant Society of British Columbia Ecoregion profi le www.npsbc.ca

Environment Canada Ecozones Program—Fraser Basin E Flora BC http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/203.html www.efl ora.bc.ca/

Government of BC, Ministry of Environment Royal BC Museum Native https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants--and- Plant Garden ecosystems/ecosystems/broad-ecosystem/an_introduction_to_the_ www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca ecoregions_of_british_columbia.pdf Ministry of Environment Pollination/Pollinators British Columbia www.env.gov.bc.ca/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Feedback North American Pollinator Protection Campaign We need your help to create better www.nappc.org guides for other parts of North America. Please e-mail your input Pollination Canada to [email protected]. www.pollinationcanada.ca

Seeds of Diversity n How will you use this guide? www.seeds.ca n Do you fi nd the directions Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada clear? If not, please tell us www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 what is unclear.

North American Butterfl y Association n Is there any information you www.naba.org feel is missing from the guide? Canadian Honey Council www.honeycouncil.ca n Any other comments?

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

Fraser Basin 23 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Jennifer Lotz, Victoria Wojcik, and Lora Morandin,

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

Contributors: Ray Coupes, Regional Ecologist, BC Forest Service

Valerie Huff, Plant Ecologist and Restoration Specialist, Kootenay Native Plant Society

Lynn Westcott, Entomologist, Westcott Environmental Services

Photo Contributors: Cover butterfl y photo, Trevor Meunier Cover Canadian fur trading post photo, Anne08 Cover Fraser River photo, LeonU

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