Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Thompson- Okanagan Plateau Ecoregion

Penticton,

Kelowna,

Vernon,

and Kamloops Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 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 22

Habitat hints 24

Habitat and Nesting requirements 25

S.H.A.R.E. 26

This is one of several guides for different regions of North America. Checklist 26 We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides Resources and Feedback 27 useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

Penticton,

Kelowna, Vernon,

and Kamloops

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 3 Why support pollinators?

IN THEIR 1996 BOOK, THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Flowering plants of 90% of fl owering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the across wild, intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food urban landscapes sources increase. Agricultural production in the Thompson-Okanagan Plateau ecoregion is extremely diverse, including fruit trees, grapes, fi eld vegetables, and berries, most of which rely on honey bees and native bees actually feed the for pollination. British Columbia supports over 450 native species of bees. With over 350 of these species being native to the Okanagan, this region supports the highest diversity of native pollinator species in all of Canada! terrestrial world, Further, honey bees pollinate more than $4 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. and pollinators Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result, research and conservation are the great efforts to support pollinators have increased. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee connectors who health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the enable this giant environment as well.

It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need food system to for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world. work for all who Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them. eat... Including us.”

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 5 Understanding the Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

n The Thompson-Okanagan Plateau is part of the larger Montane Cordillera Ecozone. It encompasses the southern section of the Interior Plateau on the mainland of British Columbia. The total population of the ecoregion is about 344, 500, and growing. n The topography is characterized by rolling plateaus, major valley systems of the Okanagan, Thompson and Nicola rivers, and a great diversity of rocks (granitic plutonic, volcanic, and sedimentary) n Not sure about which region you live or work in? Go to www. pollinator.org/guides and click on Ecoregion Locator for help. n Mean summer temperature of the major valleys is 15°C and the mean winter temperature is -3.5°C. Summer temperatures can reach highs of above 30°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges from 250-300 mm in the major valleys to over 1000 mm in subalpine and alpine areas. Plateau regions receive 400-600 mm. n One of the driest ecoregions in Canada due to a pronounced rainshadow cast by the massive Coast Mounains of British Columbia. Characteristics n The dominant forest type in this ecoregion is coniferous, including ponderosa pine or Douglas-fi r in the valleys, and lodgepole pine and Douglas-fi r at higher elevations. n Vegetation in the valleys and basins is typically steppe or bunchgrass prairie that usually contains big sagebrush and occasionallly ponderosa pine. n Grassland ecosystems were once common in this ecoregion prior to European settlement, but urban and industrial development in the Thompson-Okanagan Plateau has led to the disappearance of nearly 13, 500 hectares of grasslands. n Land use includes grazing, forage production, orchards, water- oriented recreation, and residential development at lower elevations, and woodland grazing, forestry, hunting, and recreation at mid-high elevations. n Approximately 10% of this ecoregion is farmland, with intensive residential and industrial land use characterizing much of the region. n The Okanagan Valley is one of the four signifi cant agricultural areas in BC. Orchards, vineyards, and cash crops take advantage of favourable soil conditions. Cattle ranching is dominant throughout much of the other interior plateau and valley lands.

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

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau includes: Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 7 Meet the Pollinators

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of that you are trying to provide plants to use in their gardens. connectivity to the landscape Native plants, plants introduced adjacent to your property. Don’t from years of plant exploration just look within your property from around the world, and plants boundaries. If your neighbour’s developed by professional and property provides an essential amateur breeders can be found in element, such as certain pollen and garden centres, in catalogs, and on nectar resources, which can be web-sites. Use your knowledge of utilized by pollinators visiting your pollinator needs and the plant list in land, you may be able to devote this document to guide your choices. more space to habitat elements that • Choose a variety of plants 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 you to use are not invasive. Remember in your efforts. Contact your local that specialized cultivars sometimes native plant/botany study group, or aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers other conservation organizations. that have been drastically altered, Visit your regional botanic gardens such as cultivars with double petals and arboreta. or completely different colour than The scale of your plantings will vary the wild species, often prevent but it is important to remember 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 can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

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.

Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host Trees and Shrubs Acer glabrum var. sun to partial Douglas Maple 1-10m yellow-green April-May dry to moist bees Douglasii shade

sun to partial Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon 1-5m white April moist to dry bees, fl ies X shade

0.05- sun to partial Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnikinnick pale pink March-May dry bees, butterfl ies X 0.15m shade

Red-stem Ceanothus sanguineus 1-3m white May-June partial shade moist to dry bees Ceanothus

Snowbrush sun to partial Ceanothus velutinus 0.5-2m white March-April dry to moist bees Ceanothus shade

Red-Osier greenish- sun to partial moist, well Cornus sericea 2-4m March-April butterfl ies X Dogwood white shade drained

sun to partial Crataegus douglasii Black hawthorn 1-8m white May-June dry to moist butterfl ies X shade

pale to April- Dasiphora fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil 1.3m sun dry to moist bees, fl ies bright yellow September

Silverberry or Wolf- silvery Elaeagnus commutata up to 3m May-June sun dry to moist bees willow yellow

August- dry, well bees, butterfl ies, Ericameria nauseosa Rabbitbrush 1.0m yellow sun September drained fl ies

sun to partial Holodiscus discolor Oceanspray 1-4m cream-white June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X shade

sun to partial Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon-grape 0.5-2.5m yellow March-April dry to moist bees, butterfl ies shade

0.15- blue- bees, butterfl ies, Penstemon fruticosus Shrubby Penstemon April-May sun dry to moist 0.40m lavender fl ies, hummingbirds

creamy Philadelphus lewisii Mock-orange 1-3m May-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies white

sun to partial dry to moist, bees, butterfl ies, Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6-10m cream-white March-May X shade well drained moths

bees, butterfl ies, Purshia tridentata Antelopebrush up to 2m yellow April-May sun dry X fl ies

dry, well Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac up to 3m yellowish March-April sun bees drained

sun to partial dry to moist, Ribes cereum Wax Currant 0.5-1.5m pale pink Feb-March bees, fl ies X shade well drained

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host

sun, partial shade Rosa nutkana Nootka rose 1-3m pink May-June dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X to shade

sun, partial shade Rosa woodsii Wood’s Rose 2m deep pink May dry to moist bees to shade

greenish sun to partial Salix glauca Grey-leaved Willow up to 3m May-June wet to moist bees yellow shade

up to sun to partial moist, well Salix scouleriana Scouler’s Willow greenish March-April bees X 10m shade drained

sun to partial moist to Salix sitchensis Sitka Willow 1-8m greenish March-April bees shade wet

Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry 2-2.5m white March-April sun moist to dry bees

dry, well Shepherdia canadensis Buffaloberry 1-2m yellowish March-May partial to full shade bees drained

Western Mountain- sun to partial Sorbus scopulina 1-5m white March-May moist bees ash shade

Common pale pink- sun to partial Symphoricarpos albus 0.5-3m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X Snowberry white shade

Symphoricarpos pale pink- sun to partial Western Snowberry 0.3-1m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X occindentalis white shade

up to creamy to late July- bees, butterfl ies, Tetradymia canescens Grey Horsebrush sun dry 0.8m bright yellow September fl ies

less than white to dry to moist, Vaccinium caespitosum Dwarf blueberry May-July sun bees, butterfl ies X 1m pinkish well-drained Forbs bees, beetles, Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow 0.75m white-pink April-July sun dry X butterfl ies

bees, butterfl ies, Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 0.3m pink March-May sun dry hummingbirds

Anaphalis up to white & sun to partial Pearly Everlasting June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies margaritacea 0.9m yellow shade

Sagebrush February- Antennaria dimorpha 0.1m grey-white sun dry bees, butterfl ies Pussytoes March

pale to rose Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussytoes 0.1m March-April sun dry bees, butterfl ies pink

Hoelboel’s Arabis holboelii 0.3m white-pink March-May sun dry bees, butterfl ies X Rockcress

orange-red Sitka or Western up to sepals; sun to partial normal to bees, butterfl ies, Aquilegia formosa March-April Columbine 0.5m yellow inner shade moist hummingbirds petals

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau continued on page 18 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host

pinkish- butterfl ies, Asclepias speciosa Common Milkweed up to 1m May-June sun dry X purple hummingbirds

Astragalus lentiginosus Freckled Milk-vetch 0.1-0.4m pale yellow May-June sun dry bees, butterfl ies

whitish Astragalus miser Timber Milk-vetch 0.1-0.4m April-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X purple

Woollypod Milk- 0.05- Astragalus purshii purple May-June sun dry bees, butterfl ies vetch 0.1m

Arrow-leaved sun to partial Balsamorhiza sagittata 0.4-1.2m yellow March-April dry bees, fl ies Balsamroot shade

Calochortus Sagebrush 0.2-0.5m pale pink May-June sun dry bees, fl ies macrocarpus Mariposa Lily

Campanula June- sun to partial Common Harebell 0.1-0.8m purple dry to moist bees, hummingbirds rotundifolia September shade

Common Red sun to partial Castilleja miniata 0.8m red April-May dry bees Paintbrush shade

Chamaenerion Fireweed 1-3m purlish-pink June-August sun dry to moist bees, hummingbirds angustifolium

Important nectar pale lilac- source for a variety Cirsium undulatum Wavy-leaved Thistle 1-2m May-July sun dry to moist X pink of butterfl ies and beetles

Slender 0.15- bees, beetles, Crepis atribarba yellow May-July sun dry Hawksbeard 0.7m butterfl ies, fl ies

Cryptantha torreyana Torrey’s Cat’s-eye 0.1-0.4m white April-June sun dry to moist bees

Delphinium Upland or Nuttal’s 0.4m deep blue March-April sun dry bees, hummingbirds nuttallianum Larkspur

Long-leaved white and Erigeron corymbosus 0.1-0.5m June-August sun dry butterfl ies X Fleabane pink

Three-leaved August- bees, beetles, Erigeron fi lifolius 0.1-0.5m pale purple sun dry Fleabane September butterfl ies, fl ies

Erigeron pumilus Shaggy Daisy 0.1-0.3m white March-May sun dry fl ies, bees

August- sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron speciosus Showy Fleabane 0.4-0.8m pale purple dry to moist September shade fl ies

bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron subtrinervis Three-nerved daisy 0.3-0.6m pale purple June-July sun dry fl ies

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host

Eriogonum Parsnip-fl owered dry, well bees, beetles, 0.4m orange-pink April-June sun X heracleoides Buckwheat drained butterfl ies

white to August- Eriogonum niveum Snow Buckwheat 0.3m sun dry bees, butterfl ies X pinkish September

August- Eurybia conspicua Showy Aster up to 1m violet sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X September

Fritillaria affi nis Chocolate Lily 0.8m dark brown March-May light to deep shade dry to moist bees, other insects

0.02- Fritillaria pudica Yellow Bells dark yellow March-April sun dry bees, other insects 0.1m

bees, beetle (soft- yellow to winged fl ower Gaillardia aristata Blanketfl ower 0.2-0.7m May-October sun dry orange beetle Listrus senilis), butterfl ies

sun to partial Geum macrophyllum Large-leaved Avens 0.3-1m yellow May-June moist bees, other insects shade

pink-pale sun to partial Geum trifl orum Old Man’s Whiskers 0.2-0.4m March-April dry bees, other insects lavender shade

Grindelia squarrosa var. Curly-cup July- up to 1m yellow sun dry bees, fl ies quasiperennis Gumweed September

moist to bees, butterfl ies, Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed up to 1m yellow September sun wet moths

bees, other Heterotheca villosa Golden-aster 0.1-0.5m yellow July-October sun dry pollinators

Round-leaf sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Heuchera cylindrica Alumroot or Yellow 0.3-0.5m white-cream May-July dry shade hummingbirds Coralbells

bees, butterfl ies, Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet Gilia 0.2-1m red-orange May-June sun dry hummingbirds

Bitterroot or Rock 0.01- white to Lewisia rediviva May sun dry bees, beetles Rose 0.03m deep rose

0.15- Linum lewisii Lewis Blue Flax bright blue June-August sun dry bees, fl ies 0.6m

0.05- pinkish- Lithophragma glabrum Smooth Fringecup March-April sun moist to dry bees, fl ies 0.25m purple

Lithophragma Small-fl owered 0.10- light pink March-April sun moist to dry bees, fl ies parvifl orum Woodland Star 0.30m

0.10- yellow or Lomatium ambiguum Wyeth Biscuitroot May-June sun dry bees, fl ies 0.80m white

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 19 continued from page 19 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host

white or Lomatium Large-fruited 0.12- bees, beetles, purplish- March-May sun dry macrocarpum Desert Parsley 50m butterfl ies, fl ies white

deep sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Lupinus sericeus Silky Lupine 0.3-0.6m blue-dark April-May dry X shade hummingbirds lavendar

June- bees, butterfl ies, Mentzelia laevicaulis Blazing-star 0.3-1m yellow sun dry September moths

Long-fl owered 0.05- sun to partial Mertensia longifl ora blue Mar-May dry to moist bees Bluebell 0.25m shade

sun to partial Monarda fi stulosa Wild Bee Balm 0.3-0.7m purple July-August dry to moist bees, other insects shade

Brittle Prickly-pear 0.05- orange- Opuntia fragilis May-July sun dry bees, other insects Cactus 0.2m tinged yellow

Many-spined 0.05- orange- Opuntia polyacantha May-July sun dry bees, other insects Prickly-pear Cactus 0.2m tinged yellow

cream- bees, butterfl ies, Penstemon confertus Yellow Penstemon 0.5m April-June sun dry to moist coloured fl ies, hummingbirds

up to deep blue bees, butterfl ies, Penstemon procerus Little Penstemon June-August sun dry 0.25m lavender fl ies, hummingbirds

Richardson’s up to July- bees, butterfl ies, Penstemon richardsonii bright pink sun dry to moist Penstemon 0.75m September fl ies, hummingbirds

up to Phacelia hastata Silver-leaf phacelia white April-May sun dry to moist bees 0.5m

Three-leaved 0.10- lavender- Phacelia linearis March-May sun dry to moist bees, beetles, fl ies phacelia 0.50m blue

white, Phlox longifolia Long-leafed Phlox 0.1-0.4m lavender, or April-May sun dry bees deep pink

sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Potentilla gracilis Slender Cinquefoil 0.4m yellow June-July moist to dry shade other insects

Spreading 0.05- Sedum divergens yellow late June-July sun dry bees, other insects Stonecrop 0.15m

Lance-leaved 0.05- Sedum lanceolatum yellow late June-July sun dry bees, other insects Stonecrop 0.25m

0.3- August- Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod gold sun dry to moist bees, other insects 1.65m October

Symphyotrichum 0.25- August- Lindley’s Aster pale blue sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X ciliolatum 1.0m September

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host

Symphyotrichum Tufted White Prairie August- 1m white sun dry bees, butterfl ies X ericoides Aster October

Symphyotrichum August- sun to partial Leafy Aster 0.3-0.4m pale lavender dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X foliaceum October shade

up to Trifolium cyathiferum Cup Clover creamy pink April-June sun dry to wet bees, other insects X 0.5m

Urtica dioica spp. Native Stinging sun to partial moist to 1-3m whiteish July-August bees, butterfl ies X Gracilis Nettle shade wet

0.02- sun to partial Viola adunca Sand Violet violet April-June dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X 0.1m shade Vines Western White sun to partial Clematis ligusticifolium 6-20m white May-June dry to moist bees, fl ies Clematis shade

Orange orange- sun to partial Lonicera ciliosa up to 6m May-July dry to moist bees, other insects Honeysuckle yellow to red shade Shelter Plants (mainly grasses) Aristida purpurea var. Red Three-awn 0.2-0.5m sun dry X longiseta

Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama 0.2-0.4m sun dry X

dry, well- Elymus cinereus Giant Wildrye 1-3m sun X drained

sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca campestris Rough Fescue 0.3-0.9m X shade well-drained

sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue 0.3-0.9m X shade well-drained

Needle-and-Thread Hesperostipa comata 0.2-0.5m sun dry X Grass

dry, well- Koeleria macrantha Junegrass 0.2-0.5m sun X drained

Nectar source for Bluebunch dry, well- Pseudoregneria spicata up to 1m sun Skipper & Satyr X Wheatgrass drained butterlies

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 21 NOTES

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators NOTES

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 23 Habitat Hints FOR THE Thompson-Okanagan Plateau

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

24 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.

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 25 A Basic Checklist

S.H.A.R.E. - simply Have areas reserved for the environment. n Planting for pollinators is the fi rst step. Put your pollinator habitat on the S.H.A.R.E. map and connect to pollinator conservation efforts across North America. Visit pollinator.org/SHARE n Farmers can also certify their habitat with Bee-Friendly Farming. Visit pollinator.org/bff

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape. n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. n Take part in citizen science monitoring and get involved in local programs. n Consult a local fi eld guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details.

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators. n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. n Determine when you need additional fl owers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for larval development. n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help.

Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract. n Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to address pest concerns. n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for pollinators.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

26 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for Native Plants this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area. Native Plant Society of British Columbia www.npsbc.ca Ecoregion profi le E Flora BC www.efl ora.bc.ca/ Environment Canada Ecozones Program - Thompson-Okanagan Plateau Royal BC Museum http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/209.html Native Plant Garden www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Government of BC, Ministry of Environment https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and- Ministry of Environment ecosystems/ecosystems/broad-ecosystem/an_introduction_to_the_ British Columbia ecoregions_of_british_columbia.pdf www.env.gov.bc.ca/ Cultivating the Wild - Eva Durance Pollination/Pollinators Border Free Bees (Okanagan) Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Okanagan Xeriscape Association Master Gardeners BC North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.nappc.org Feedback

Pollination Canada We need your help to create better www.pollinationcanada.ca guides for other parts of North America. Please e-mail your input Seeds of Diversity to [email protected]. www.seeds.ca n How will you use this guide? Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 n Do you fi nd the directions clear? If not, please tell us North American Butterfl y Association what is unclear. www.naba.org n Is there any information you Canadian Honey Council feel is missing from the guide? www.honeycouncil.ca n Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Any other comments? Island Press: Washington, DC. Thank you Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of for taking Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!

Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 27 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

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

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinatorpartnership.ca The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.pollinatorpartnership.ca d www.nappc.org 28 Selecting Plants for Pollinators