Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Haida Gwaii ecoregion

Naikoon Provincial Park,

Masset, Queen Charlotte,

Port Clements, Sandspit,

and Sewell Inlet Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Haida Gwaii 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat hints 20

Habitat and Nesting requirements 21

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

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Haida Gwaii

Ecoregion

Naikoon Provincial Park,

Masset, Queen Charlotte,

Port Clements, Sandspit,

and Sewell Inlet

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership ™ Publication

Haida Gwaii 3 Why support pollinators?

N THEIR BOOK THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and I 1996 , Flowering plants Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ 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 across wild, with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the 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 urban landscapes production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. Haida Gwaii covers the forested plain and wetland complex of Northern and Eastern , along with mountainous actually feed the portions of the Queen Charlotte Islands. This ecoregion contains over 150 species of native plants that rely on native pollinators such as bumble bees for seed and fruit production. terrestrial world,

Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and pollinators and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result research and conservation actions supporting native pollinators are increasingly active. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, are the great pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to connectors who commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. enable this giant 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 food system to natural world.

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

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

Haida Gwaii 5 Understanding the Islands of Haida Gwaii

n Haida Gwaii is an isolated group of islands (archipelago); made up of 150 smaller islands. It is approximately 60 km off the Northern Pacifi c Coast of Canada and is separated from the mainland to the east by the ; while, Queen Charlotte Sound lies to the south with beyond.

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 Elevations ranging from sea level to 1067 metres.

n In the valleys, the summer mean temperature is 12°C and winter mean temperatures are 3.5°C.

n Mean annual ranges from 1500 mm in the eastern portion of the ecoregion and up to 2000 mm at higher elevations.

n The winters are mild and the summers are cool with little temperature variance between them.

Characteristics

n Encompasses forested and mountainous portions with western hemlock, shore pine, and amabilis fi r.

n Home to a wide variety of trees, including sitka spruce, western red cedar, yellow cedar, shore pine, western hemlock, mountain hemlock and red alder.

n Much of the forest lands are under the Tree Farm License.

n The population is sparse with a total population of approximately 5300.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Pacific Maritime Ecoregions 184 Mount Logan 185 N. Coastal Mountains 186 N. Coastal Mountains 187 Nass Basin 188, 189 Haida Gwaii 190 Nass Ranges 191 Coastal Gap 192 Pacific Ranges 193 Western Vancouver Island 194 Eastern Vancouver Island 195 Georgia-Puget Basin 196 197 Cascade Ranges

Haida Gwaii includes: Naikoon Provincial Park, Masset, Queen Charlotte, Port Clements, Sandspit and Sewell Inlet

Haida Gwaii 7 Meet the Pollinators

Who are the Various species are solitary while others form loose colonies, nesting pollinators? side-by-side. Other common solitary Bees bees include mining bees, (Andrena Bees are the main pollinators of spp.), which nest underground and many wild fl owers and agricultural are common in the spring; leaf- crops across Canada. cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead trees or branches for Most of us are familiar with the their nest sites; and mason bees colonies of honey bees that have (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities been the workhorses of agricultural they fi nd in stems and dead wood pollination for years in Canada. that they fi ll with mud. They were imported from almost 400 years ago and continue Butterfl ies to be managed for honey production Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny and pollination services. There are areas such as meadows and along over 800 species of native ground Photo: Dee Carpenter Photography woodland edges that provide bright Anna’s Hummingbird, a year-round and twig nesting bees in Canada. fl owers, water sources, and specifi c Most of these bee species live a species in the Haida Gwaii ecoregion. host plants for their caterpillars. solitary life; a minority are social and Gardeners have been attracting form colonies or nest in aggregations. butterfl ies to their gardens for some Native bees visit and pollinate time. To encourage butterfl ies place many crops; in many cases they fl owering plants where they have are better at transferring pollen full sun and are protected from the than honey bees. Our native bees wind. They usually look for fl owers can be encouraged to do more to that provide a good landing platform. support agricultural endeavours if Butterfl ies need open areas (e.g., their needs for nesting habitat are bare earth, large stones) where met and if suitable sources of nectar, they can bask, and moist soil from Mariposa Copper, common to the pollen, and water are provided. Bees which they wick needed minerals. Haida Gwaii eco-region come in a variety of body shapes Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even and sizes, and even have tongues dung, so don’t clean up all the messes of different lengths. Native bees in your garden! By providing a safe visit the widest range of fl owers and place to eat and nest, gardeners can crops of any pollinator group. also support the pollination role that butterfl ies play in the landscape. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) form has the largest small colonies, usually underground diversity of butterfl ies in Canada, making use of old rodent burrows or with 187 known species. Some of the dense thatches. They are generalists, butterfl ies that have been found in feeding on a wide range of plant the Haida Gwaii ecoregion include: types from May to September and Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio are important pollinators of rutulus), Tortoiseshell tomatoes and blueberries. (Nymphalis californica), Painted Lady Sweat bees (family Halictidae) are (Vanessa cardui), and Morning Cloak medium to small-sized, slender bees (Nymphalis antiopa). that commonly nest underground. Photo: CreativeNature_nl

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

Haida Gwaii 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 Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, prefer? Bright white, Scarlet, blue, Pale and dull red, Dull white, Bright, including dark brown or or colourless; yellow, orange, red purple, pink or NOT ALL POLLINATORS ARE found Colour yellow or green Colour red and purple purple; fl ecked with petals absent blue, or UV or white white in each province, and some are translucent patches or reduced more important in different parts of Canada. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and pollinators where you live. Nectar Present Absent Absent 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 characteristics can be useful to Odour pleasant Odour emitted at night predict the type of pollination or fetid method or animal that is most effective for that group of plants. Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply This association between fl oral Usually present present; Usually absent None characteristics and pollination Nectar hidden Nectar hidden hidden method is called a pollination not hidden 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 infl uenced the evolution of both and scented groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Shallow; and the plant species helps the Narrow tube with Shallow; funnel like pollinator fi nd necessary pollen and have landing Large funnel Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower Large bowl-like Flower spur; wide or complex nectar sources and helps the plant platform; like; cups without a lip stigmas exerted reproduce by ensuring that pollen is Shape Shape landing pad and trap-like tubular 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, Scarlet, blue, Pale and dull red, Dull white, Bright, including dark brown or or colourless; yellow, orange, red purple, pink or Colour yellow or green Colour red and purple purple; fl ecked with petals absent blue, or UV or white 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; Narrow tube with Shallow; funnel like have landing Large funnel Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower Large bowl-like Flower spur; wide or complex platform; like; cups without a lip stigmas exerted Shape Shape landing pad and trap-like tubular

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

Haida Gwaii 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

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 to with temporary cover crops that land management practices on their control is highly recommended. can provide food or with a variety land which will benefi t the farmer Use 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. thresholds. Many tree fruit, berry, and • 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. you in your effort to provide nectar, • Till as little as possible to protect Incorporate different plants pollen, and larval food sources for ground nesting pollinators. throughout the farm that provide pollinators on your farm. food for native populations when • Whenever possible, create targeted crops are not in fl ower. permanently untilled areas for ground nesting bees (eg. such as • Minimize the use of insecticides along internal farm laneways). to reduce the impact on native pollinators. Spray when bees • Choose a variety of native plants to aren’t active (after dark or just act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, before dawn) and choose targeted and fi eld borders throughout the ingredients. farm. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

Haida Gwaii 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of 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 water, which can garden centres, in catalogs, and on be utilized by pollinators visiting web-sites. Use your knowledge of your land, you may be able to pollinator needs and the plant list in devote more space to habitat this document to guide your choices. elements that are missing nearby. • Choose a variety of plants that It is best to use native plants which will provide nectar and pollen have evolved to support the needs throughout the growing season. of specifi c native pollinators. Some • Resist the urge to have a totally pollinators, however, are generalists manicured lawn and garden. Leave and visit many different plants, both bare ground for ground nesting native and non-native. Be sure that bees. Leave areas of dead wood and any non-native plants you choose leaf litter for other insects. to use are not invasive. Remember • Find local resources to help you that specialized cultivars sometimes in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers native plant/botany study group that have been drastically altered, or conservation groups. Visit your such as cultivars with double petals regional botanic gardens and or completely different colour than arboreta. the wild species, often prevent The scale of your plantings will vary pollinators from fi nding and feeding but it is important to remember 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.

Haida Gwaii 15 Plants that attract pollinators on THE Islands of Haida Gwaii The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. thrive in the conditions you will be planting it in. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to Over much of Haida Gwaii, these plants will only start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide survive if they’re in areas fenced off to deer. Here, food and shelter for pollinators, too. palatability doesn’t enter into it - the deer will eat The plant list has also been divided into west, and east everything, including spruce trees, devil’s club, and Haida Gwaii. Given that the majority of the population many of the intertidal seaweeds. Deer grazing on Haida lives on the eastern portion of the island, these are the Gwaii is the most intense in the Americas, and likely plants that will be the most applicable. globally. This is just a reminder of the importance However, this plant list includes plants for the entire of planning to install deer fencing when planting for region. Be sure that the plant you select for your pollinators on Haida Gwaii. pollinator garden/ restoration project will grow and

Common Flower Flower Also Botanical Name Name Haida Gwaii Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators a host 188 Queen Charlotte 189 Queen Charlotte Ranges (west) Lowlands (east) Trees and Shrubs sun to Amelanchier moist Saskatoon x x 1-5m white April - July partial bees, fl ies X alnifolia to dry shade Arctostaphylos less April - sun to dry to Kinnikinnick o x pink bees uva-ursi than 1m June shade moist Cassiope Western Bell up to July - bees, x o white sun moist X mertensiana Heather 1m August butterfl ies Red-osier white to May - sun to bees, Cornus sericea o x 2-4m moist X Dogwood cream June shade butterfl ies up to May- bees, butterfl ies, Empetrum nigrum Crowberry x x magenta shade moist 0.3m August fl ies, moths white to sun to May - dry to bees, butterfl ies, Gaultheria shallon Salal x x 0.4-3m cream, partial June wet hummingbirds pink shade semi-shade Kalmia up to purple- moist, Swamp Laurel x x April to no bees microphylla 0.5m white bogs shade Loiseleuria June - Alpine Azalea x x 1m pink sun moist bees procumbens August Lonicera yellow to April - sun to bees, Black Twinberry x x 1-3m moist X involucrata red August shade hummingbirds Pacifi c white to April - moist Malus fusca x x 6-10m sun bees Crabapple pink June to wet Menziesia 0.5- pink to May - well Rusty Menziesia x x shade bees ferruginea 1.5m red August drained sun to Prunus April - well Bitter Cherry x x 1-15m white partial bees emarginata June drained shade partial white- May - moist Ribes bracteosum Stink Currant o x 1-3m shade to bees yellow June to wet shade sun to dry to bees, Rosa nutkana Nootka Rose x x 1-3m pink May - July partial X moist butterfl ies shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Flower Also Botanical Name Name Haida Gwaii Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators a host 188 Queen Charlotte 189 Queen Charlotte Ranges (west) Lowlands (east) sun to Rubus dry to bees, fl ies, Black Raspberry o x 0.5-2m white May-June partial leucodermis moist other insects shade sun to normal white to bees, Rubus parvifl orus Thimbleberry o x 1-2m May - July partial to cream butterfl ies shade moist partial Strawberry-leaf less well bees, Rubus pedatus x o white June shade to Raspberry than 1m drained butterfl ies shade March - sun to Rubus spectabilis Salmonberry x o 1-3m pink moist bees June shade yellow, sun to moist Salix hookeriana Hooker’s Willow x x 0.5-9m green to February partial bees to wet brown shade white to March - sun to moist Salix lucida Pacifi c Willow x x 1-11m bees yellow May shade to wet sun to Scouler’s March - dry to Salix scouleriana x x 3-20m yellow partial bees Willow April moist shade sun to white to March - moist Salix sitchensis Sitka Willow x x 1-8m partial bees cream April to wet shade moist sun to Sambucus creamy to wet, bees, Red Elderberry x x 1-6m April-July partial racemosa white well hummingbirds shade drained sun to Sitka Mountain- creamy sitchensis x x 1-4m May partial moist bees Ash white shade sun to pink, June - Spiraea douglasii Hardhack o x 1-3m partial moist bees purple August shade partial Streptopus Claspleaf up to x o white May-July shade to moist bees amplexifolius Twisted-Stalk 1m shade sun to Symphoricarpos Common 0.5- white to May - o x partial dry bees albus Snowberry 1.5m pink August shade sun to Vaccinium Alaskan up to x x pink May-June partial moist bees, fl ies alaskaense Blueberry 2m shade Vaccinium less white to well bees, Dwarf Blueberry x o May - July sun X caespitosum than 1m pink drained butterfl ies Vaccinium Oval Leaf up to sun to light x x white June moist bees, fl ies ovalifolium Blueberry 3m shade white to Vaccinium Red up to April - sun to x x pink to moist bees parvifolium Huckleberry 6m June shade green moist Vaccinium less white to May - sun to bees, Bog Blueberry x x or wet, X uliginosum than 1m pink June shade butterfl ies bogs

continued on page 18

Haida Gwaii 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators on THE Islands of Haida Gwaii

Common Flower Flower Also Botanical Name Name Haida Gwaii Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators a host 188 Queen Charlotte 189 Queen Charlotte Ranges (west) Lowlands (east) sun to Vaccinium vitis- less Lingonberry x x white June-July partial moist bees idaea than 1m shade Forbs sun to Achillea Common less white to June - dry to x x partial bees X millefolium Yarrow than 1m pink November moist shade sun to Anaphalis Pearly less white to July - dry to bees, x x partial X margaritacea Everlasting than 1m cream September moist butterfl ies shade sun to normal less May - bees, Aquilegia formosa Red Columbine o x red partial to than 1m August hummingbirds shade moist Mountain less Arnica latifolia x o yellow June - July sun wet fl ies Arnica than 1m Castilleja Small-fl owered less June - well bees, x o pink sun parvifl ora Paintbrush than 1m September drained hummingbirds sun to normal less white to May - Cornus canadensis Bunchberry o x partial to bees, fl ies than 1m cream September shade moist moist Cornus Alaskan less June - partial x x white to well bees, fl ies unalaschkensis Bunchberry than 1m August shade drained sun to Dodecatheon Jeffrey’s less pinkish wet to x x May-July partial bees jeffreyi Shooting Star than 1m purple moist shade Dodecatheon Beautiful less April - x o pink sun normal bees pulchellum Shootingstar than 1m August Epilobium Alpine less June - well x o pink sun bees anagallidifolium Willowherb than 1m September drained Euthamia Flat-top July - bees, o x 1m yellow sun moist graminifolia Goldenrod September butterfl ies Beach less Fragaria chiloensis x x white April-May sun moist bees Strawberry than 1m sun to Fritillaria purple- Black Lily x x 0.5m May partial moist fl ies camschatcensis black shade white to sun to less moist bees, fl ies, Linnaea borealis Twinfl ower x x cream, May - July partial than 1m to wet moths pink shade blue/ Lupinus less Nootka Lupine x x purple- May-June sun moist bees nootkatensis than 1m white yellow, partial Lysichiton less March - moist Skunk Cabbage x x white to shade to fl ies, beetles americanus than 1m June to wet cream shade Maianthemum False Lily-of- less white to May - moist bees, x x shade dilatatum the-valley than 1m cream June to wet butterfl ies blue- Mertensia Oysterleaf Sea o x 0.1-1m bluish May-June sun moist bees martitima Bluebells purple

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Flower Also Botanical Name Name Haida Gwaii Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators a host 188 Queen Charlotte 189 Queen Charlotte Ranges (west) Lowlands (east) sun to Yellow less moist Mimulus guttatus x x yellow April-May partial bees Monkeyfl ower than 1m to wet shade less white to June - sun to bees, fl ies, Moneses unifl ora Single Delight x x moist than 1m cream August shade beetles sun to Small-fl owered 0.1- bluish Myosotis laxa o x April-May partial moist bees Forget-me-not 0.4m purple shade Penstemon Davidson’s less pink to July - well bees, x o sun davidsonii Penstemon than 1m purple August drained hummingbirds sun to moist, Potentilla Common less June - bees, beetles, x x yellow partial well anserina Silverweed than 1m August fl ies shade drained sun to moist, Ranunculus Western up to April - x o yellow partial well bees occidentalis Buttercup 1m June shade drained Ranunculus Straight-beaked less March - moist o x yellow sun bees orthorhynchus Buttercup than 1m May to wet Solidago Northern less July - partial bees, x o yellow dry X multiradiata Goldenrod than 1m September shade butterfl ies less creamy April - partial bees, other Tiarella trifoliata Foamfl ower x x moist than 1m white June shade insects deep Trifolium Springbank moist bees, other x x 0.3m purple, May-June sun wormskjoldii Clover to wet insects white tips sun to Hookedspur less blue, dry to bees, Viola adunca x x April - July partial X Violet than 1m purple moist butterfl ies shade partial less April - moist bees, Viola glabella Stream Violet x x yellow shade to than 1m May to wet butterfl ies shade Shelter Plants sun to California up to Bromus carinatus x x partial dry Brome 1m shade Deschampsia up to dry to Tufted Hairgrass x x sun X cespitosa 1m wet shade to Dryopteris Spiny Wood less x x partial moist expansa Fern than 1m shade dry to sun to moist, Elymus glaucus Blue Wildrye x x 1-2m partial well shade drained partial Polystichum Sword Fern x x 1-1.5m shade to moist munitum shade

Haida Gwaii 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Islands of Haida Gwaii

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

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. In Canada the majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. Beekeepers with commercial operations can have bee yards with tens to hundreds of hives commonly in agricultural, rural and some natural habitats. In urban and garden settings, it is common to see a single or a handful of honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Honey bees have different feeding needs than native bees. Their colony can last multiple years and they feed on fl owers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildfl owers as well. Honey bees also need plants that produce a large amount of nectar to make honey. Clovers, lavenders, mints, and sages are great nectar sources. Honey bees also like to feed off of the pollen of trees and shrubs such as maples, willows, and roses. Fields of goldenrod are an excellent pollen source. Bumble Bees: Bumble bees nest in cavities such as abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down fl ower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring. The number of workers in a colony can grow to upward of 400 at the peak of summer bloom. Bumble bee colonies die out in the fall after producing new queens. New queens mate and then overwinter, hiding underground, in cracks, or small crevices. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even fl ying in light rain. Large carpenter bees: Large carpenter bees chew nests into dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs. The also make nests in structural timbers including redwood and cedar. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest and coolest weather. Digger bees: Digger bees can be found nesting in sandy, compacted soils, and along stream banksides. These bees are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times of the day as well. To attract these bees have some areas of exposed soil in your garden and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Small carpenter bees: Small carpenter bees chew into pithy stems, including roses and blackberry canes, where they make their nests. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. Squash and Gourd bees: Squash and gourd bees prefer to nest in sandy soil but also may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown). These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in wilted squash fl owers. Leaf-cutting bees: Leaf-cutting bees nest in pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead wood created by emerging beetles. Some also nest in the ground. Leafcutter bees line and cap their nests with leaves or fl ower petals. These bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in very hot weather. Mason bees: Mason bees use pre-existing tunnels of various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or human-made nesting substrates such as drilled wood blocks or cardboard tubes. These bees get their name from the fact that they cap their nests with mud. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. Sweat bees: Sweat bees need bare ground in sunny areas not covered by vegetation for nesting. Some will nest in small pre-existing holes, much like leaf-cutting or mason bees. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later in the day. To help these bees nest, keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Plasterer or cellophane bees: Plasterer or cellophane bees get their name from the unique, clear waterproof lining they make around their nest. Similar to sweat bees they prefer bare ground, stream banks or slopes. These bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. Yellow-faced bees: Yellow-faced bees are tiny, hairless bees that make their nesting by chewing into small dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. Mining bees: Mining bees prefer sunny, bare ground, and sand soil. They are also known to nest under leaf litter or in the soil along banksides and cliffs. Mining bees are active in the spring and most commonly seen on fl owers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

Haida Gwaii 21 A Basic Checklist

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

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

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

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and Native Plants plants in your area. Native Plant Society Ecoregion profi le of British Columbia www.npsbc.ca Environment Canada Ecozone Program—Queen Charlotte Ranges http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/188.html E Flora BC www.efl ora.bc.ca/ Environment Canada Ecozone Program - Queen Charlotte Lowland http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/189.html Royal BC Museum Native Plant Garden Government of BC, Ministry of Environment www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecology/ecoregions/humidtemp.html#coast Ministry of Environment Pollination/Pollinators British Columbia www.env.gov.bc.ca/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Feedback

North American Pollinator Protection Campaign We need your help to create better www.nappc.org guides for other parts of North America. Please e-mail your input Pollination Canada to [email protected]. www.pollinationcanada.ca n Seeds of Diversity How will you use this guide? www.seeds.ca n Do you fi nd the directions Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada clear? If not, please tell us www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 what is unclear.

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

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

Haida Gwaii 23 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin, Gaby Averbuch and Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Jennifer Lotz, Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin,

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

Contributors: James and Kristen Miskelly, Saanich Native Plants Nick Page, Raincoast Applied Ecology Andy MacKinnon, Retired Ecologist, BC Forest Service

Photo Contributors: Cover rainforest; dorinser Cover coastal islands; dan_prat Cover Swallowtail butterfl y; Jeffengeloutdoors.com

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinatorpartnership.ca The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.pollinatorpartnership.ca d www.nappc.org 24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators