Aspen Parkland Ecoregion

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Aspen Parkland ecoregion

Southwestern Manitoba,

Saskatchewan to

central Alberta, including

Red Deer, Edmonton,

parts of Calgary, Lloydminster,

North Battleford, Humboldt,

Yorkton, and Brandon Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Aspen Parkland 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Notes 22

Habitat hints 24

Habitat and Nesting requirements 25

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

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Aspen Parkland

Ecoregion

Southwestern Manitoba,

Saskatchewan to central Alberta,

including Red Deer,

Edmonton, parts of Calgary,

Lloydminster, North Battleford,

Humboldt, Yorkton,

and Brandon

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

with funding provided by Earth Rangers and Bayer

Aspen Parkland 3 Why support pollinators?

In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Flowering plants of 90% of 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 across wild, intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife urban landscapes food sources increase. Much of the land in the Aspen Parkland ecoregion has been converted to agriculture with a large diversity of crops including actually feed the oilseeds, wheat and other cereals, forage crops, and specialty crops. Many rely on native and honey bees for pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than $4 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. 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 significantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, are the great pesticide use, insufficient 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.”

– Roger Lang, Chairman, Val Dolcini President & CEO Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

Aspen Parkland 5 Understanding the Aspen Parkland

n The Aspen Parkland ecoregion is part of the Prairies Ecozone, and extends from southwestern Manitoba, through Saskatchewan, to central Alberta. The ecoregion has some of the most productive agricultural land in the prairies and much of the ecoregion has been converted to agriculture, with pockets of wildlife habitat.

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 Short, warm summers and long cold winters with mean summer temperature of 15°C and mean winter temperature of -12.5°C..

n Mean annual precipitation of 400-500 mm.

n Fertile, warm black soils.

n Some glacial till landscapes with numerous small lakes, ponds, and sloughs.

Characteristics

n Considered a transitional ecoregion with grasslands to the south and boreal forest to the north.

n Historically characterized by trembling aspen, oak, mixed shrubs, and grasslands.

n Significant breeding area for waterfowl.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Aspen Parkland ecoregion includes: Red Deer, Edmonton, Parts of Calgary, Lloydminster, North Battleford, Humboldt, Yorkton, and Brandon

Aspen Parkland 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the tomatoes and blueberries. Sweat bees (family Halictidae) are pollinators? medium to small-sized, slender bees Bees that commonly nest underground. Bees are the best documented Various species are solitary while pollinators in the natural and others form loose colonies, nesting agricultural landscapes of the Aspen side-by-side. Other common solitary Parkland ecoregion. A wide range bees include mining bees (Andrena of wild and crop plants, including spp.), which nest underground and plants in the Aster and Rose are common in the spring; leaf- Families, canola, specialty crops, cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which and some forage crops benefit from prefer dead trees or branches for bee pollinators. their nest sites; and mason bees (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Most of us are familiar with the they find in stems and dead wood colonies of honey bees that have that they fill with mud. been the workhorses of agricultural pollination for years in Canada. Butterfl ies They were imported from Europe Butterflies prefer open and sunny almost 400 years ago and continue areas such as meadows and along to be managed for honey production woodland edges that provide bright and pollination services. There are flowers, water sources, and specific over 800 species of native ground host plants for their caterpillars. and twig nesting bees in Canada. Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne Photo courtesy of Tim Gardeners have been attracting Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a Most of these bee species live a butterflies to their gardens for some summer species in the Aspen solitary life; a minority are social and time. To encourage butterflies place Parkland ecoregion. form colonies or nest in aggregations. flowering plants where they have Native bees visit and pollinate full sun and are protected from the many crops; in many cases they wind. They usually look for flowers are better at transferring pollen that provide a good landing platform. than honey bees. Our native bees Butterflies need open areas (e.g., can be encouraged to do more to bare earth, large stones) where support agricultural endeavours if they can bask, and moist soil from their needs for nesting habitat are which they wick needed minerals. met and if suitable sources of nectar, Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Plains Branded Skipper pollen, and water are provided. Bees dung, so don’t clean up all the messes come in a variety of body shapes in your garden! By providing a safe and sizes, and even have tongues place to eat and nest, gardeners of different lengths. Native bees can also support the pollination visit the widest range of flowers and role that butterflies play in the crops of any pollinator group. landscape. There is a large diversity of butterflies in the Aspen Parkland Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) form ecoregion and it is common to see small colonies, usually underground the Grey Copper (Lycaena dione), making use of old rodent burrows or the Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne dense thatches. They are generalists, gorgone), the Alberta Arctic (Oeneis feeding on a wide range of plant alberta), the Plains Skipper (Hesperia types from May to September and assiniboia). Photo © Bryan E. Reynolds are important pollinators of

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths transport pollen from flower to Species at Risk Moths are most easily distinguished flower. Flies primarily pollinate Species at Risk include endangered from butterflies by their antennae. small flowers that bloom under species, such as the Dusky Dune Butterfly antennae are simple with a shade and in seasonally moist Moth, as well as threatened and swelling at the end. Moth antennae habitats, but are also economically special concern species. Some differ from simple to featherlike, important as pollinators for a range pollinator species have already but never have a swelling at the tip. of annual and bulbous ornamental been extirpated from some regions Butterfly bodies are not very hairy, flowers. Plants pollinated by flies of Canada such as Ridings’ satyr while moth bodies are quite hairy include the American pawpaw moth (Neominois ridingsiiy), which is and much more stout. In addition, (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage no longer found in Manitoba. Other butterflies typically are active (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod species such as the Yellow-banded during the day; moths at night. (Solidago spp.), and members of the Bumble Bee (Bombus terricola) They are attracted to flowers that carrot family. were once common across much are strongly sweet smelling, open of Canada, but it is now rare in the in late afternoon or night, and are Birds prairies and other southern parts of typically white or pale coloured. Hummingbirds are the primary birds that play a role in pollination its range. Because habitat loss is one Beetles in North America. Their long beaks of the largest threats facing many pollinators, the very best thing you There are more than 9000 species and tongues draw nectar from can do is plant for them. of beetles in Canada and many of tubular flowers. Pollen is carried them can be found easily by looking on both their beaks and feathers. Regions closer to the tropics, inside flower heads. Gardeners Dusky Dune Moth have yet to intentionally draw with warmer climates, boast the beetles to their gardens, possibly largest number of hummingbird • The dusky dune moth because beetle watching isn’t species and the greatest number (Copablepharon longipenne) is as inspiring as butterfly or bird of native plants to support their found in Canada from southern watching. Yet beetles do play a role need for food. The Ruby-throated Manitoba, Saskatchewan, to in pollination. Some have a bad Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Alberta. reputation because they can leave is a common summer species in the a mess behind, damaging plant Aspen Parkland. • It is a habitat specialist, requiring parts as they eat pollen. Beetle Hummingbirds can see the colour sparsely vegetated sand dunes. pollinated plants tend to be large, red; bees cannot. Many tropical • Little is known about it’s biology strong scented flowers and have the flowers, grown as annuals, along or adult and larval feeding anthers and stigma exposed. Beetles with native woodland edge plants, requirements. are known to pollinate magnolia, attract hummingbirds. paw paws, and yellow pond lilies. • Populations are thought to be Bats declining at a rate of 10-20% per Flies Though bat species in Canada are decade. It may be hard to imagine why not pollinators, bats in the south western United States and Mexico • Vegetation alterations, livestock one would want to attract flies grazing, and recreational activities to the garden. However, flies are are important pollinators of agave and cactus. The head shape and long are likely the biggest threats to one of the most diverse group this species. of pollinators. They include tongues of nectar bats allows them to colouful flower flies and hover delve into flower blossoms and extract • The dusky dune moth is flies (Syrphidae), active bee flies both pollen and nectar; pollen covers considered endangered in Canada (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges their hairy bodies and is transfer as and is protected under the species that visit many plant species. Like they move from plant to plant. at risk act (SARA). bees, flies are hairy and can easily

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

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 Pollinator Plant Trait Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aspen Parkland 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Many oilseed, forage crops, and different bees forage at different • Plant unused areas of the farm specialty crops are grown in the times of day. Peponapsis pruinosa, the with temporary cover crops that Canadian prairies, and they will squash bee, is active from dawn can provide food or with a variety benefit from strong native bee until noon. In the case of squash of trees, shrubs, and flowers that populations that boost pollination production, the best time to spray is provide both food and shelter for efficiency. Incorporate different in the evening rather than the early pollinators. plants throughout the farm that morning. • Check with local not-for-profit provide food for native populations • Carefully consider the use of organizations, or government when targeted crops are not in flower. herbicides. Some weeds can provide agencies to see what technical Farmers have many opportunities needed food for pollinators. support might be available to assist to incorporate pollinator-friendly • Minimize tillage to protect ground you in your effort to provide nectar, land management practices on their nesting pollinators. pollen, and larval food sources for land which will benefit the farmer • Consider creating designated pollinators on your farm. in achieving his or her production permanently untilled areas for goals: ground nesting bees along internal • Minimize the use of insecticides farm laneways. to reduce the impact on native • Ensure water sources are scattered pollinators. Spray when bees throughout the landscape. aren’t active (after dark or just • Choose a variety of native plants to before dawn) and choose targeted act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, ingredients. and field borders throughout the • Be conscientious of the fact that farm. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

Aspen Parkland 13 Public Lands

Public lands are maintained for understand the importance of specific reasons ranging from high pollinators in the environment impact recreation to conservation. through signs, brochures, and public In the Canadian prairies, forests programs. and grasslands have been cut and In an effort to increase populations altered 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 benefits 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 flowers. 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 wildflowers and grasses. as an education tool to help others • Remove invasive species

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

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

Aspen Parkland 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Aspen Parkland

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 Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs red, 12- March - sun to partial Acer spp. maples greenish, dry to wet bees X 20m+ April shade yellow Saskatoon sun to partial Amelanchier alnifolia 1-5m white April - July moist to dry bees, flies X serviceberry shade less than April - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi kinnikinnick pink sun to shade dry to moist bees 1m June May - Cornus sericea [stolonifera] red-osier dogwood 2-4m white partial shade moist butterflies X June sun, partial yellow, May - bees, Lonicera dioica limber honeysuckle 1-3m shade to dry to moist orange June hummingbirds shade sun, partial twinberry yellow to April - bees, Lonicera involucrata 1-3m shade to moist honeysuckle red August hummingbirds shade green to March - sun to partial Populus tremuloides trembling aspen 12-25m dry to wet butterflies X brown April shade April - dry, well Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry 10-15m white sun bees May drained bees, Prunus virginiana chokecherry 6-10m white May - July sun to shade dry to moist butterflies, X moths yellow, April - sun to partial butterflies, Quercus macrocarpa bur oak 12-18m green, dry to wet X May shade showy insects brown green to dry, well currants and March - bees, Ribes spp. various white to sun to shade drained, gooseberrys June hummingbirds pink moist sun to partial Rosa acicularis prickly rose 1+m pink June - July dry to wet bees shade less than May - Rosa arkansana prairie rose pink sun dry to moist butterflies 1m September up to white to June - Rosa blanda meadow rose sun dry bees, butterflies 1.5m cream, pink July sun, partial up to Rosa woodsii Wood’s rose pink May - July shade to dry to moist bees 1.5m shade sun, partial Rubus idaeus wild red raspberry 1.5-2.5m white June - July shade to dry to moist bees, butterflies shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host sun, partial white to March - Salix lucida shining willow 3.5-6m shade to moist to wet bees yellow May shade white to cream, April - sun to partial Salix bebbiana beaked willow 1-5m moist to wet butterflies X green to May shade brown sun, partial March - bees, Sambucus racemosa red elderberry 2.5-6m white shade to moist to wet June hummingbirds shade Symphoricarpos white to June - dry to well western snowberry 1+m sun bees occidentalis pink August drained May - Viburnum edule highbush cranberry 0.5-2+m white sun to shade moist bees, butterflies June Viburnum opulus var. americanum/ American cranberry well drained 2-4m white May - July partial shade bees, butterflies X Viburnum trilobum var. bush to wet americanum Forbs less than white to April - sun to partial Achillea millefolium common yarrow dry bees X 1m pink October shade bees, July - sun to partial dry to Agastache foeniculum lavender hyssop 0.6-1.2m blue, purple butterflies, August shade normal hummingbirds less than May - sun to partial normal to Agoseris glauca pale false dandelion yellow bees, butterflies 1m September shade wet autumn onion, less than white to July - Allium stellatum partial shade dry to moist butterflies prairie onion 1m cream, pink September less than white to July - Anaphalis margaritacea pearly everlasting sun dry bees, butterflies X 1m cream September sun, partial less than white to April - normal to Anemone canadensis Canada anemone shade to bees 1m cream August moist shade blue, less than purple, April - dry to Anemone patens pasque flower sun bees 1m white to June normal cream blue, yellow, sun, partial less than normal to Anemone multifida cut-leaved anemone red, purple, April - July shade to small bees, flies 1m moist white to shade cream, pink

continued on page 18

Aspen Parkland 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Aspen Parkland

Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host bees, less than sun to partial Aquilegia canadensis wild columbine yellow, red april - July dry to moist butterflies, X 1m shade hummingbirds white to June Asclepias speciosa showy milkweed 1m sun moist bees, butterflies X pink -August butterflies, up to June - Asclepias incarnata* swamp milkweed purple, pink sun moist to wet bees, showy X 1.5m August insects less than white to May - sun to partial dry to Asclepias ovalifolia oval leaf milkweed butterflies X 1m cream June shade normal up to June - normal to Asclepias syriaca* common milkweed purple, pink sun butterflies X 1.5m August moist less than green to June - Asclepias viridiflora* green milkweed sun dry bees, butterflies X 1m brown August May - Astragalus agrestis purple milkvetch up to 1m purple sun dry bees, butterflies August less than April - sun to partial bumblebees, Astragalus crassicarpus ground plum blue, purple dry X 1m May shade butterflies less than June - sun to partial dry to Campanula rotundifolia harebell, bluebell blue, purple hummingbirds 1m September shade normal less than white to May - Cerastium arvense field chickweed sun dry flies, small bees 1m cream September less than white to April - Comandra umbellata bastard toadflax sun dry butterflies X 1m cream June white to sun, partial less than cream, May - normal to Cornus canadensis bunchberry shade to showy insects 1m green to September moist shade brown less than June - Dalea purpurea purple prairie clover purple, pink sun dry butterflies 1m September less than blue to Delphinium bicolor** little larkspur May - July sun dry bees 1m purple bees, July - Delphinium glaucum** Sierra larkspur 1-2m purple partial shade moist to wet butterflies, August hummingbirds narrow leaved less than dry to Echinacea angustifolia purple June - July sun butterflies purple coneflower 1m normal Epilobium angustifolium June - fireweed 1-1.5m pink sun moist bees [Chamerion angustifolium] September less than blue, July - sun to partial dry to Erigeron glabellus smooth fleabane bees, butterflies 1m purple, pink August shade normal less than white to April - Erigeron strigosus prairie fleabane sun well drained bees, butterflies 1m pink May bees, July - sun to partial normal to Eupatorium maculatum* Joe pye-weed 0.6-1.8m purple, pink butterflies, September shade wet hummingbirds

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host yellow, August - sun to partial Eurybia conspicua showy aster 0.6-1.2m dry to moist bees, butterflies blue, purple September shade less than May - sun to partial Fragaria virginiana Virginia strawberry white dry bees, butterflies X 1m August shade less than July - dry to Gaillardia aristata blanket flower yellow, red sun butterflies 1m August normal less than white to May - sun to partial normal to Galium boreale northern bedstraw flies, beetles 1m cream August shade moist Richardon’s white to June - Geranium richardsonii** up to 1m partial shade moist bees, beetles geranium cream, pink August less than May - sun to partial Geum triflorum prairie smoke purple, pink dry bees, butterflies 1m June shade less than June - dry to Grindelia squarrosa curlycup gumweed yellow sun bees 1m September normal less than April - bumblebees, Hedysarum boreale northern hedysarum red, purple sun dry X 1m August butterflies July - Helianthus annuus common sunflower 0.6-1.2m yellow sun dry butterflies X October Maximilian August - Helianthus maximiliani 1-3m yellow sun dry to moist bees sunflower September July - Helianthus pauciflorus stiff sunflower 1-2m yellow sun dry bees, flies September less than July - small bees, Heterotheca villosa hairy golden aster yellow sun dry 1m October flies, butterflies purple, small white to less than sun to partial bees, flies, Heuchera richardsonii alumroot cream, June - July dry to moist 1m shade hummingbirds, green to butterflies brown less than June - sun to partial Lilium philadelphicum wood lily red, orange dry hummingbirds 1m August shade blue, purple, June - sun to partial dry to Lobelia spicata palespike lobelia up to 1m hummingbirds white to August shade normal cream less than July - dry to butterflies, Liatris ligulistylis meadow blazingstar purple, pink sun 1m August normal hummingbirds less than August - dry to bumblebees, Liatris punctata dotted blazingstar purple, pink sun X 1m October normal butterflies less than March - dry to bumblebees, Linum lewisii wild blue flax blue, purple sun 1m September normal butterflies less than white to May - partial shade normal to Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower bees, flies 1m cream June to shade moist starry false less than white to May - partial shade Maianthemum stellatum dry to moist bees, flies Solomon’s seal 1m cream June to shade

continued on page 20

Aspen Parkland 19 continued from page 19 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Aspen Parkland

Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host bees, less than May - sun to partial Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot pink-purple dry to moist butterflies, 2m August shade hummingbirds less than Packera plattensis prairie ragwort yellow May - July partial shade dry small bees 1m less than April - dry to well- Penstemon albidus white beardtongue white sun bumblebees 1m June drained lilac-flowered less than May - bees, Penstemon gracilis purple partial shade moist beardtongue 1m June hummingbirds less than white, pink, Phlox hoodii moss phlox May - July sun dry bees, butterflies 1m blue less than white to sun to partial Polygala senega seneca snakeroot May - July dry to moist moths X 1m cream shade less than white to June - dry to Potentilla arguta white cinquefoil sun bees, flies 1m cream September normal less than April - Ranunculus rhomboideus prairie buttercup yellow sun dry bumblebees 1m May less than May - sun to partial Rubus chamaemorus cloudberry white moist to wet bees, butterflies 1m June shade less than June - sun to partial Rudbeckia hirta blackeyed Susan yellow dry to moist bees, butterflies X 1m September shade sun, partial less than bees, flies, Sisyrinchium montanum blue-eyed grass blue, purple May - July shade to dry to wet 1m butterflies shade September sun to partial Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod 1-2m yellow dry to moist bees, butterflies - October shade July - dry to well Solidago missouriensis Missouri goldenrod 1m yellow sun bees, butterflies September drained August - sun to partial Solidago nemoralis grey goldenrod 1m yellow dry bees, butterflies October shade less than white, August - dry to Solidago ptarmicoides prairie goldenrod sun butterflies 1m yellow October normal August - Solidago rigida stiff goldenrod 1-2m yellow sun normal butterflies September July - dry to Symphyotrichum ciliolatum Lindley’s aster up to 1m blue, purple sun butterflies X October normal less than white to August - Symphyotrichum ericoides heath aster sun dry to moist bees, butterflies X 1m cream October creeping white less than white to August - Symphyotrichum falcatum sun dry bees, butterflies prairie aster 1m cream September August - sun to partial well drained Symphyotrichum laeve smooth blue aster 1m purple bees September shade to moist

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Sun Soil Pollinators Colour Season host Symphyotrichum novae blue, August - sun to partial New England aster 1-2m dry to moist bees, butterflies X angliae purple, pink October shade less than sun to partial bumblebees, Vicia americana American vetch purple May - July dry to moist 1m shade butterflies less than partial shade Viola adunca hookespur violet blue, purple April - July dry to moist bees 1m to shade orange, less than April - Viola canadensis Canada violet white to shade moist bees 1m June cream less than partial shade Viola nephrophylla northern bog violet purple May - July wet butterflies X 1m to shade butterflies, less than April - sun to partial Zizia aurea golden Alexander yellow dry to wet bees, showy X 1m June shade insects Vines hummingbirds, yellow, red, glaucous sun to partial butterflies, Lonicera dioica 1-3m orange, May - July dry to moist honeysuckle shade bees, showy purple insects Shelter Plants blue, red, July - sun to partial normal to Andropogon gerardii big bluestem 1-2.5m green to X September shade moist brown yellow, June - sun to partial Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats grama up to 1m dry to moist X orange, red September shade 0.1- June - dry, well Carex stenophylla needleleaf sedge n/a sun 0.35m August drained yellow, March - Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye up to 1m green, sun moist X June brown June - Fescue scabrella rough fescue 0.3-1.3m n/a sun dry August less than sun to partial dry to Koeleria macrantha June grass yellow June - July 1m shade normal yellow, less than June - Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem green, sun dry X 1m December brown *Rare or absent in AB **Rare or absent in SK and MB

Aspen Parkland 21 NOTES

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators NOTES

Aspen Parkland 23 Habitat Hints FOR THE Aspen Parkland

BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced FLOWERS Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS 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/Gourds x x Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x

24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. In Canada, the majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. Beekeepers with commercial operations can have bee yards with tens to hundreds of hives commonly in agricultural, rural and some natural habitats. In urban and garden settings, it is common to see a single or a handful of honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Honey bees have different feeding needs than native bees. Their colony can last multiple years and they feed on flowers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildflowers 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 flower 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 flying 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 flowers. 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 flower 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 flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

Aspen Parkland 25 A Basic Checklist

S.H.A.R.E. - simply Have areas reserved for the environment. n Planting for pollinators is the first 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 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 (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!

26 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for Native Plants this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area. Environment Canada http://ecozones.ca/english/zone/ Prairies/plants.html Ecoregion profi le

Environment Canada Ecozones Program—Aspen Parkland Manitoba Museum Prairie http://ecozones.ca/english/region/156.html Pollination http://www.prairiepollination.ca/ Alberta Agriculture and Forestry http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sag1497 Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan World Wildlife Fund http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0802 https://www.npss.sk.ca/

Alberta Native Plant Council Pollination/Pollinators http://anpc.ab.ca/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Find Native Plants Manitoba http://findnativeplants.com/canada/ North American Pollinator Protection Campaign manitoba-native-plants/ www.nappc.org

Pollination Canada Feedback www.pollinationcanada.ca We need your help to create better guides for other parts of North Seeds of Diversity America. Please e-mail your input www.seeds.ca to [email protected].

Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterflies of Canada n How will you use this guide? www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterflies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 n Do you find the directions North American Butterfly Association clear? If not, please tell us www.naba.org what is unclear. n Canadian Honey Council Is there any information you www.honeycouncil.ca feel is missing from the guide? n Any other comments? Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Island Press: Washington, DC. Thank you Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of for taking Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!

Aspen Parkland 27 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin K athleen Law

Editorial: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Contributors: Diana Robson, Manitoba Museum

Photo Contributors: Bryan E. Reynolds, Tim Dunne, Cover butterfly Gorgone Checkerspot: Marcie O’Connor, www.prairiehaven.com,

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

Generously supported by:

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