Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province

Including the states of: Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin

And parts of: Maine, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont

and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

Checklist 22

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

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province

Including the states of:

Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

And parts of:

Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and

Vermont

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

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

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province  Why support pollinators?

In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, 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 intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems the world, and that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Apples, cucumbers, soybeans, squash, and asparagus are some of the crops raised in the Laurentian Mixed Forest that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 are a critical billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, link in our food 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. ” Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry -- Paul Growald, provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder, The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. Pollinator partnership

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.

Val Dolcini President & CEO Pollinator Partnership

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

This regional guide is just one States Forest Service, is a system these months. in a series of plant selection tools created as a management tool This province is characterized designed to provide information and is used to predict responses primarily by deciduous forests on how individuals can influence to land management practices comprised of yellow birch, sugar pollinator populations through throughout large areas. This guide maple, and American beech, but choices they make when they farm addresses pollinator-friendly land also includes several species of a plot of ground, manage large management practices in what is conifers, including white pine and tracts of public land, or plant a known as the Laurentian Mixed eastern hemlock. garden. Each of us can have a Forest Province. Long before there were homes positive impact by providing the Portions of seven states make up and farms in this area, the original, essential habitat requirements for the 147,300 square miles of this natural vegetation provided pollinators including food, water, province with elevations ranging continuous cover and adjacent shelter, and enough space to allow from a high of 2,400 feet to sea level. feeding opportunities for wildlife, pollinators to raise their young. The topography primarily includes including pollinators. In choosing Pollinators travel through the flat areas, but also includes areas plants, aim to create habitat for landscape without regard to of low rolling hills. This region has pollinators that allow adequate food, property ownership or state many glacial features including shelter, and water sources. Most boundaries. We’ve chosen to use lakes, outwash plains, and morainic pollinators have very small home R.G. Bailey’s classification system hills. Average annual temperatures ranges. You can make a difference to identify the geographic focus range from 35° to 50°F. by understanding the vegetation of this guide and to underscore The long, moderately severe winters patterns on the farm, forest, or the connections between climate of this province restrict the growing neighbor’s yard adjacent to yours and vegetation types that affect season for agriculture, leaving only and by making planting choices the diversity of pollinators in the 100-140 frost-free days per year that support the pollinators’ need environment. on average. Summer weather is for food and shelter as they move Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United unstable since this province lies through the landscape. States, developed by the United within the main cyclonic belt during

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province  Understanding the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province

n This region is designated number 212 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 147,300 square miles within 7 states.

n Mostly flat,with some rolling hills and many glacial features such as lakes,morainic hills, drumlins, eskers,and outwash plains.

n Elevations ranging from 2,400 feet to sea level.

n Average annual temperature range from 35°–50°F.

n Average year-round precipitation between 24-45 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 3b-6b (1990 version).

Characteristics

n Dominated by deciduous forests comprised of yellow birch, sugar maple, and American beech,but also includes several species of conifers, including white pine and eastern hemlock.

n In areas where lightning storms frequently occur in summer, pines forming a forest canopy often are the first to regenerate after a forest fire.

n Greatly varied soil including peat, marl, clay, silt, sand, gravel, and boulders.

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Laurentian Mixed “Adding native plantings in riparian areas Forest Province includes: Michigan to improve pollinator habitat makes Minnesota sense in advancing our family farm’s Wisconsin conservation and economic objectives, and parts of: Maine enhancing beneficial wildlife and New York improving pollination in our orchard Pennsylvania Vermont and garden.”

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

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province  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 (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. that they find in stems and dead A wide range of crops including wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) soybean, apple, cucumber, squash are also solitary ground nesters. and asparagus 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 been the workhorses of agricultural some time. These insects tend to Photo by Janet Allen Janet by Photo pollination for years in the United be eye-catching, as are the A Coneflower being pollinated by a States. They were imported from that attract them. Position flowering Black Swallowtail. Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that A bee visiting Penstemon digitalis. habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species in are solitary while others form loose the Laurentian Mixed Forest are Photo by Janet Allen Janet by Photo colonies.

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Brush-footed, Gossamer-winged, as butterfly or bird watching. Yet members of the carrot family like Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, beetles do play a role in pollination. Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). White, Sulphur and Milkweed Some have a bad reputation butterflies. They usually look for because they can leave a mess flowers that provide a good landing behind, damaging plant parts that Birds platform. they eat. Beetles are not as efficient Hummingbirds are the primary as some pollinators. They wander birds which play a role in Wet mud areas provide butterflies between different species, often pollination in . Their with both the moisture and dropping pollen as they go. long beaks and tongues draw nectar minerals they need to stay healthy. from tubular flowers. Pollen is Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be carried on both the beaks and dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with feathers of different hummingbirds. messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They The regions closer to the tropics, are known to pollinate Magnolia, with warmer climates, boast the sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw largest number of hummingbird Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. species and the greatest number of Moths are most easily distinguished native plants to support the bird’s from butterflies by their antennae. need for food. White-winged doves Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the gigantea) in the south central United but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the 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. Many tropical Moths, generally less colorful flowers, grown as annuals in the than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies Laurentian Mixed Forest, along in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers with native woodland edge plants, to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in attract 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 Laurentian important as pollinators for a range Mixed Forest are not pollinators, Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental bats play an important role in Over 30,000 species of beetles flowers. pollination in the southwest where are found in the United States Plants pollinated by the fly they feed on agave and cactus. The and many of them can be found include the American pawpaw long-nosed bats’ head shape and on heads. Gardeners have (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum long tongue allows it to delve into yet to intentionally draw beetles (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk flower blossoms and extract both to their gardens, possibly because cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), pollen and nectar. beetle watching isn’t as inspiring goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province  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 Not all pollinators are 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 Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply effective for that group of plants. 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 Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide pollinator find necessary pollen and 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

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Soybean, cucumber, apples, weeds can provide needed food for asparagus, and squash are a few of pollinators. “food supplies for the food crops in the Laurentian • Minimize tillage to protect ground Mixed Forest Province that will nesting pollinators. benefit from strong native bee • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical populations that boost pollination throughout the landscape. efficiency. Incorporate different • Choose a variety of native plants to plants throughout the farm that act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, provide food for native populations and field borders throughout the to maintaining when 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 for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. 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, almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 13 Public Lands

“From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterflies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

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

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.

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE Laurentian Mixed Forest PROVINCE

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 Name Common Name Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Trees & Shrubs Amelanchier arborea downy serviceberry white white Arctostaphylos uva- purple- purple- kinnikinnick ursi blue blue Cephalanthus common buttonbush occidentalis Cornus canadensis bunchberry dogwood white white white white white, white, white, white, white, Crataegus crus-galli cockspur hawthorn yellow- yellow- yellow- yellow- yellow- green green green green green Dasiphora fruticosa shrubby cinquefoil yellow yellow yellow Gaultheria pinkish pinkish pinkish eastern teaberry procumbens white white white Hamamelis virginiana American witch-hazel yellow yellow Ilex verticillata common winterberry white white Prunus virginiana chokecherry white white yellow yellow yellow Rhus typhina staghorn sumac green green green Sambucus canadensis black elderberry white white American mountain Sorbus americana white white ash Tilia americana American basswood yellow yellow Vaccinium pinkish pinkish low sweet blueberry angustifolium white white Viburnum acerifolium mapleleaf viburnum white white Perennial Flowers Aconitum uncinatum eastern monkshood blue blue blue Actaea rubra red baneberry white white red red red Aquilegia canadensis red columbine yellow yellow yellow Campanula harebell blue blue blue blue blue rotundifolia Caltha palustris marsh marigold yellow yellow yellow Chelone glabra white turtlehead white white white white white white Doellingeria umbellata flat-topped aster yellow yellow yellow Eupatorium lavender lavender lavender lavender parasol whitetop maculatum pink pink pink pink blue blue Gentiana andrewsii closed bottle gentian violet violet

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Perennial Flowers continued purplish purplish purplish Geum rivale water avens red red red white white Hepatica nobilis var. white to sharplobe hepatica to pale to pale acuta pale blue blue blue blue blue blue Iris versicolor harlequin blueflag purple purple purple lavender lavender lavender lavender pink to pink to pink to pink to Monarda fistulosa wild bergamont violet violet violet violet blue blue blue blue dark dark Packera aurea golden ragwort yellow yellow Penstemon digitalis tall beardstongue white white pink to pink to pink to Phlox maculata wild sweetwilliam lavender lavender lavender pale to pale to pale to Physostegia virginiana obedient plant dark dark pink dark pink pink yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow with with with with with Rudbekia hirta black-eyed susan dark dark dark dark dark brown brown brown brown brown center center center center center blue- blue- blue- Sisyrinchium narrow leaf blue-eyed purple, purple, purple, angustifolium grass yellow yellow yellow center center center Trillium erectum red trillium violet red violet red yellow yellow viride green false hellebore green green white white white white with with with with yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, Viola canadensis Canadian white violet purple purple purple purple streaked streaked streaked streaked center center center center Zizia aurea golden zizia yellow yellow yellow Vines yellowish yellowish Celastrus scandens American bittersweet white white Linnaea borealis twinflower pink pink pink yellow to yellow to yellow to Lonicera dioica limber honeysuckle red red red Mitchella repens partridgeberry white white white

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Laurentian Mixed Forest PROVINCE 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.

Flower Visitation by Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil a host Season pollinator plant Trees & Shrubs sun to partial moist, well Amelanchier arborea downy serviceberry white 25’+ May-June sun drained bees, flies X sands, Arctostaphylos kinnikinnick purple-blue 2-6” May-June sun to partial excessively bees X uva-ursi sun drained moths, Cephalanthus common buttonbush white to 9’ June-July sun moist to butterflies, bees, X occidentalis flooded hummingbirds white bracts, Cornus canadensis bunchberry dogwood yellow green 6” May-June shade to sun moist, acidic bees, beetles X bees, flies, Crataegus crus-galli cockspur hawthorn white to 30’ May-June sun to partial dry to moist, beetles, X sun well drained butterflies sun to partial bees, flies, Dasiphora fruticosa shrubby cinquefoil yellow 3-4’ May-July sun dry to wet butterflies X Gaultheria dry to moist, procumbens eastern teaberry pinkish white 4-8” July-Sept sun to shade acidic bees X Hamamelis virginiana American witch-hazel yellow 15-20’ Oct-Nov shade to sun moist moths X Ilex verticillata common winterberry white 7-10’ May-June sun to shade moist to wet bees, flies X sun to partial moist, well Prunus virginiana chokecherry white 20’+ May-June sun drained bees X June- sun to partial dry to moist, Rhus typhina staghorn sumac yellow-green 10-15’ August sun well drained butterflies, bees X sun to partial Sambucus canadensis black elderberry white 8-10’ June-July sun dry to wet bees, bettles, flies X American mountain sun to partial Sorbus americana ash white to 30’ May-June sun moist bees, flies X sun to partial moist, well Tilia americana American basswood yellow 80’+ May-June sun drained bees, flies, moths X Vaccinium white tinged dry to moist, angustifolium low sweet blueberry with pink 2-14” May-June sun acidic bees X bees, beetles, Viburnum acerifolium mapleleaf viburnum white 4-5’ May-June shade to sun dry to moist flies X Perennial Flowers sun to partial Aconitum uncinatum eastern monkshood blue 30-36” July-Oct sun moist bees X shade to bees, beetles, Actaea rubra red baneberry white 20-30” May-June partial sun moist flies X partial shade hummingbirds, Aquilegia canadensis red columbine red, yellow 12-36” May-July to sun well drained bees X Campanula partial sun to dry to moist, rotundifolia harebell blue 8-24” June-Oct sun well drained bees X Caltha palustris marsh marigold yellow 10-22” May-June sun to shade moist to wet flies, bees X

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Visitation by Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil a host Season pollinator plant Perennial Flowers continued sun to partial Chelone glabra white turtlehead white 28-36” July-August sun wet to moist bees X Doellingeria sun to partial bees, butterflies, umbellata flat-topped aster white, yellow 30-72” August-Sept sun wet to moist beetles X Eupatorium sun to partial bees, butterflies, maculatum parasol whitetop lavender pink 30-96” August-Sept sun moist to wet moths X sun to partial Gentiana andrewsii closed bottle gentian blue, violet 18-24” August-Sept sun moist bees X sun to partial bees, flies, Geum rivale water avens purplish red 14-24” June-July sun moist to wet beetles X Hepatica nobilis var. white to pale acuta sharplobe hepatica blue 2-6” Mar-May partial shade moist bees sun to partial Iris versicolor harlequin blueflag blue, purple 20-40” May-July sun wet to moist bees bees, wasps, Monarda fistulosa wild bergamont lavendar pink 24-46” July-Sept sun to partial moist butterflies, X to violet blue sun hummingbirds bees, flies, Packera aurea golden ragwort dark yellow 10-22’ May-June sun to shade moist to wet butterflies, moths X sun to partial Penstemon digitalis tall beardstongue white 36-60” June-July sun moist bees X pink to sun to partial Phlox maculata wild sweetwilliam lavender 20-30” Apr-June sun moist bees, butterflies Physostegia pale to dark sun to partial bees, virginiana obedient plant pink 22-36” August-Sept sun dry to wet hummingbirds yellow with Rudbekia hirta black-eyed susan dark brown 16-40” June-Sept sun to partial moist to dry bees, butterflies, X center sun beetles, wasps Sisyrinchium narrow leaf blue-eyed blue-purple, sun to partial angustifolium grass yellow center 10-12” May-July sun moist bees, butterflies Trillium erectum red trillium violet red 8-20” May-June partial shade moist flies partial sun to bees, moths, flies, Veratrum viride green false hellebore yellow green 22-48” June-July shade moist to wet butterflies white with yellow, purple partial sun to Viola canadensis Canadian white violet streaked 8-15” Apr-July shade moist bees X center sun to partial Zizia aurea golden zizia yellow 14-38” May-July sun moist to wet flies, bees X Vines yellowish sun to partial Celastrus scandens American bittersweet white 48’+ June-July sun dry to moist bees June- Linnaea borealis twinflower pink 5” August partial sun moist bees, wasps June- sun to partial hummingbirds, Lonicera dioica limber honeysuckle yellow to red 3-10’ August sun moist to wet bees Mitchella repens partridgeberry white 10-16” May-July partial sun moist bees

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Laurentian Mixed Forest PROVINCE

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced F lowers 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 C r ops 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 pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. BUTTERFLIES 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 generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Laurentian Mixed Forest 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 Native Plants Butterflies and Moths were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, Plant Conservation Alliance starting point to learn more about Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, www.nps.gov/plants pollinators and plants in your area. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and of Success Moths of North America. Bozeman, Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps www.nps.gov/plants/sos MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Information Node. USDA Forest Service Center www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.wildflower.org/plants/ (Version 07192007) ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ Audubon Society Field Guide to Pollination/Pollinators U.S. National Arboretum Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ York, NY. Pollinator Partnership ushzmap.html North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org Coevolution Institute Database www.coevolution.org www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 Natural Resources National Plant Data Center, Feedback Conservation Service Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA www.nrcs.usda.gov We need your help to create better North American Pollinator guides for other parts of North Protection Campaign Native Bees America. Please e-mail your input www.nappc.org to [email protected] USDA Forest Service National Sustainable Information or fax to 415-362-3070. www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ Service n Wild Farm Alliance “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” How will you use this guide? www.wildfarmalliance.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA n Do you find the directions The Xerces Society Publication #IP126 clear? If not, please tell us www.xerces.org www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ what is unclear. Illinois Natural History Survey nativebee.html www.inhs.uiuc.edu n Is there any information you Agriculture Research Service feel is missing from the guide? Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Plants Attractive to Native Bees table 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. n Island Press: , DC. htm?docid=12052 Any other comments?

Committee on the Status of Thank you Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of Pollinators in North America for taking The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!

Laurentian Mixed Forest Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Stephen Buchmann, Ph.D. NAPPC Katherine McGuire Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

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

Production Supervision: Katherine McGuire

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 Contributers: Janet Allen

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