Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe

Open Woodland

Coniferous Forest

Alpine Meadow

Province

Including Parts of

New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, Wyoming, NAPPC Idaho, Montana Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

southern Rocky Mountian Steppe 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

Checklist 22

Resources and Feedback 23 This is one of several guides for different regions in the United States. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe

Open Woodland

Coniferous Forest

Alpine Meadow Province

Including Parts of

New Mexico, Colorado, Utah,

Wyoming, Idaho, Montana

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 3 Why support pollinators?

In t h e i r 1996 b o o k , Th e Fo r g o t t e n Po l l i n a t o r s , Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ Farming feeds of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Alfalfa, melons, squash, and heirloom tomatoes are some of the crops raised in the Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately are a critical $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

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

It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world.

Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them.

Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

Th i s r e g i o n a l g u i d e i s just one throughout large areas. This guide and shrubs; depending on slope- in a series of plant selection tools addresses pollinator-friendly land exposure, the foothill zone designed to provide information management practices in what is (woodland) either accommodates on how individuals can influence known as the Southern Rocky shrubs, oak and mahogany, or pine pollinator populations through Mountain Steppe, Open Woodland, and juniper; it meets the montane choices they make when they farm Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow zone in Douglas-fir at upper slopes a plot of ground, manage large Province. that are wetter and more sheltered, tracts of public land, or plant a This 102,300 square mile province or ponderosa pine on lower, drier, garden. Each of us can have a includes parts of six states and is more exposed slopes; Englemann positive impact by providing the primarily composed of glaciated spruce and subalpine fir dominate essential habitat requirements for mountains up to 14,000 feet and the sub-alpine zone and the alpine pollinators including food, water, several discrete sections including, zone is a treeless tundra. shelter, and enough space to allow parkland, valley plains, and high Long before there were homes pollinators to raise their young. plateaus, with local relief between and farms in this area, the original, Pollinators travel through the 3,000 and 7,000 feet. The climate natural vegetation provided landscape without regard to correlates to topography and north- continuous cover and adjacent property ownership or state south orientation with influential feeding opportunities for wildlife, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use westerly winds and drier eastern including pollinators. In choosing R.G. Bailey’s classification system slopes. Annual temperature ranges plants, aim to create habitat for to identify the geographic focus from 35° to 45°F, reaching 50°F pollinators that allow adequate food of this guide and to underscore in the valleys. Precipitation is shelter, and water sources. Most the connections between climate moderate but varies with altitude pollinators have very small home and vegetation types that affect and is greater on the plains. Annual ranges. You can make a difference the diversity of pollinators in the rainfall ranges from 10 to 20 inches by understanding the vegetation environment. increasing to 40 inches at higher patterns of the farm, forest, or Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United elevations. neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United This province is characterized and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system by pronounced vertical zonation that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool which shifts with latitude, altitude, for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses topography, and climate. Valley through the landscape. to land management practices floors are dominated by grasses

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 5 Understanding the Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe

n This region is designated number M331 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html

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

n 102,300 square miles within six states.

n Primarily glaciated mountains, intermontane depressions, and high-elevation plateaus.

n Elevations ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from below 35°F to 45°F.

n Average year-round precipitation between 10-20 inches, increasing to 40 inches at higher elevations.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-6b.

Characteristics

n Dominated by vertical zonation with the lower limits of each vegetational zone rising in elevation toward the south.

n Common tree species include Engelmann spruce, spruce-fir, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, aspen, mountain mahohany and pinyon-juniper.

n Water management and agricultural development are sources Photo Marguerite Meyer of dispute between hydropower and irrigation interests and fisheries and recreation-based business interests.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Southern Rocky Mountain “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Steppe, Open Woodland, Coniferous Forest, to improve pollinator habitat makes Alpine Meadow Province includes parts of: sense in advancing our family farm’s

New Mexico, Colorado, conservation and economic objectives, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana enhancing beneficial wildlife and improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterflies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

Tallgrass prairie

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

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

• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate the source of your plant material. You want to ensure you get plants that are healthy and correctly identified. Your local native plant society can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”

Botanical Common April May June July Aug Sept Oct Name Name Trees & Shrubs

Arctostaphylos kinnikinnick pink/white pink/white uva-ursi

Ericameria parryi Parry’s rabbitbrush yellow yellow yellow

Jamesia green/ fivepetal cliffbush green/white green/white americana white Lonicera twinberry honeysuckle yellow yellow involucrata

Mahonia repens creeping barberry yellow yellow yellow

Physocarpus mountain ninebark white white monogynus Purshia antelope bitterbrush white white tridentata Ribes gooseberry currant red red montigenum

Rosa woodsii Woods’ rose pink pink pink

Sambucus red elderberry white white racemosa Symphoricarpos roundleaf snowberry rotundifolius Perennial Flowers Achillea millefolium var. western yarrow white white white occidentalis Anaphalis western pearly white/yellow white/yellow white margaritacea everlasting Aquilegia Colorado blue blue/white blue/white blue/white white/yellow caerulea columbine

Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow yellow yellow

Calochortis Gunnison’s mariposa white white gunnisoni lily Campanula bluebell bellflower blue blue blue blue rotundifolia wholeleaf Indian Castilleja integra red/orange red/orange red/orange red/orange paintbrush

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common April May June July Aug Sept Oct Name Name Chamerion fireweed pink pink red/orange angustifolium Delphinium twolobe larkspur blue/purple blue/purple pink nuttallianum Erigeron subalpine fleabane pink/yellow pink/yellow peregrinus Erigeron aspen fleabane blue/yellow speciosus Gaillardia yellow/ yellow/ common gaillardia yellow/orange blue/yellow aristata orange orange Geranium Richardson’s pink pink pink pink richardsonii geranium Heterotheca hairy false goldenaster yellow yellow yellow yellow pink villosa Ipomopsis scarlet gilia red red red yellow aggregata Ligusticum Porter’s licorice-root white white white red yellow porteri

Linum lewisii Lewis flax blue blue blue blue blue

Lupinus silvery lupine blue/white blue/white blue/white blue argenteus Mertensia prairie bluebells blue blue blue/white blue lanceolata Monarda pony beebalm pink pink pink pink pectinata Oxytropis purple locoweed purple purple purple lambertii Pedicularis giant lousewort yellow yellow procera Penstemon Rocky Mountain blue blue blue strictus penstemon Penstemon upright blue beard- blue blue blue unilateralus tongue

Phacelia sericea silky phacelia purple purple purple

Rudbeckia hirta blackeyed Susan yellow/brown yellow/brown yellow/brown

Symphotrichum smooth blue aster blue/yellow blue/yellow yellow/brown laeve Thermopsis mountain yellow yellow blue/yellow montana goldenbanner

Vicia americana American vetch purple purple purple purple purple

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators FOR THE Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.

Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Host Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator Plant Trees & Shrubs

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi kinnikinnick pink/white 6” late spring partial sun moist wind, bees Yes bees, Ericameria parryi Parry’s rabbitbrush yellow 1-3” late summer full sun dry butterflies Yes Jamesia bees, americana fivepetal cliffbush green/white 6’ early spring full sun dry butterflies Yes Lonicera twinberry involucrata honeysuckle yellow 10’ summer shaded moist hummingbirds Yes

Mahonia repens creeping barberry yellow 2’ mid spring shaded moist bees Yes

Physocarpus monogynus mountain ninebark white 5’ early summer partial sun moist bees, beetles Yes Purshia tridentata antelope bitterbrush white 6’ early spring partial sun dry moths Yes Ribes montigenum gooseberry currant red 1’ early summer partial sun moist bees Yes hummingbirds, Rosa woodsii Woods’ rose pink 3’ late spring partial sun moist bees, beetles Yes Sambucus bees, moths, racemosa red elderberry white 10-20’ early spring shaded moist beetles Yes Symphoricarpos roundleaf rotundifolius snowberry pink/white 3’ shaded moist bees Yes Perennial Flowers Achillea millefolium var. western yarrow white 3’ late spring partial sun moist to dry beetles, Yes occidentalis butterflies, flies Anaphalis western pearly bees, margaritacea everlasting white/yellow 3’ early summer partial sun moist to dry butterflies Yes Aquilegia Colorado blue hawkmoths, caerulea columbine blue/white 2’ late spring shaded moist hummingbirds Yes

Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow 1.5’ late spring shaded moist bees, beetles Yes

Calochortis Gunnison’s gunnisoni mariposa lily white 2’ mid summer full sun moist bees, moths Yes Campanula rotundifolia bluebell bellflower blue 1.5’ summer full sun moist bees Yes wholeleaf Indian Castilleja integra paintbrush red/orange 1.5’ spring full sun moist hummingbirds Yes

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Host Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator Plant Chamerion angustifolium fireweed pink 5.5’ late summer partial sun moist bees Yes Delphinium bees, nuttallianum twolobe larkspur blue/purple 2’ early summer partial sun moist hummingbirds Yes Erigeron bees, peregrinus subalpine fleabane pink/yellow 2’ late spring partial sun moist butterflies Yes Erigeron bees, speciosus aspen fleabane blue/yellow 2.5’ late summer full sun moist butterflies Yes Gaillardia aristata common gaillardia yellow/orange 2’ spring full sun moist moths Yes Geranium Richardson’s richardsonii geranium pink 3’ mid spring partial sun moist bees, beetles Yes Heterotheca hairy false villosa goldenaster yellow 3’ mid summer full sun moist bees Yes Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia red 3’ mid summer partial sun moist hummingbirds Yes Ligusticum porteri Porter’s licorice-root white 3’ mid summer shaded moist flies Yes

Linum lewisii Lewis flax blue 2.5’ all season full sun moist bees flies Yes

Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine blue/white 1.5’ late summer full sun moist bees Yes Mertensia lanceolata prairie bluebells blue 2’ spring partial sun moist bees Yes Monarda pectinata pony beebalm pink 1.5’ summer full sun moist bees, wasps Yes Oxytropis lambertii purple locoweed purple 1.4’ mid spring full sun moist bees Yes Pedicularis procera giant lousewort yellow 3.5’ mid summer partial sun moist bees Yes Penstemon Rocky Mountain bees, strictus penstemon blue 2’ late spring full sun moist hummingbirds Yes Penstemon upright blue beard- unilateralus tongue blue 3’ mid summer full sun moist bees Yes

Phacelia sericea silky phacelia purple 1’ mid summer partial sun moist bees, flies Yes

Rudbeckia hirta blackeyed Susan yellow/brown 1’ summer full sun moist butterflies Yes

Symphotrichum smooth blue aster blue/yellow 4’ mid summer full sun moist bees, Yes laeve butterflies Thermopsis mountain montana goldenbanner yellow 2’ early summer partial sun moist bees Yes

Vicia americana American vetch purple 1.2’ late spring full sun moist bees Yes

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced Flowers Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x Crops Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain.

Large carpenter bees: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.

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

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

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you first get started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow flower that blooms in the fall. n Consult a local field guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details.

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

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

Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract.

n Use Integrated Pest Management Practices to address pest concerns. n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

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

Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe – Open Woodland – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz

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

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

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

Photo Contributors: Marguerite Meyer, Mac Knight

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

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