Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Okanagan Highlands Ecoregion

Osoyoos,

Oliver,

Cawston,

and Kaledon Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Okanagan Highlands 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 21

Habitat hints 24

Habitat and Nesting requirements 25

S.H.A.R.E. 26

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

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Okanagan Highlands

Ecoregion

Osoyoos,

Oliver,

Cawston,

and Kaledon

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

Okanagan Highlands 3 Why support pollinators?

IN THEIR 1996 BOOK, THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and Flowering plants Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ of 90% of fl owering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us across wild, with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife urban landscapes food sources increase. Agricultural production in the Okanagan Highlands ecoregion is mostly for fruit-tree and grape production, but also includes grazing, irrigated forage production, berries, nuts, and greenhouse actually feed the production. Many of these crops rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. British Columbia supports over 450 native species of bees. With over 350 of these species being native to the Okanagan, this region supports terrestrial world, the highest diversity of native pollinator species in all of Canada! Honey bees pollinate more than $4 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. and pollinators Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result, research and conservation are the great efforts to support pollinators have increased. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services connectors who honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to 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 food system to for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world. work for all who Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them. eat... Including us.”

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

Okanagan Highlands 5 Understanding the Okanagan Highlands

n The topography is characterized by rounded ridges of moderate relief and deep, wide valleys often occupied by large elongated lakes. 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 The mean summer temperature of the major valleys is 16.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -1.5°C. Summer temperatures can reach highs of above 30°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges 250 mm in the very dry valleys to 300-400 mm on the plateau surface. n High summer temperatures above 30°C are common. In the South Okanagan, the mean July daily temperature is above 22° C. n Lies within the rainshadow of the Coast and Cascade Mountains to the west, making this ecoregion one of the hottest and driest in Canada. The valley bottoms are characterized by hot, dry summers and moderately cold winters with little snowfall.

Characteristics n Forest cover ranges from lodgepole pine with trembling aspen, white spruce, and Douglas-fi r on the plateau to Douglas-fi r and pine grass at moderate mid-slope elevations. n Valley bottoms are covered by a parkland of scattered ponderosa pine in a matrix of bluebunch wheat grass and sagebrush and at lowest elevations by sagebrush, bluebunch wheat grass, blue grass and June-grass. n The ecoregion contains most of the remaining grasslands, shrub-steppe, and low-elevation dry forests in British Columbia, including the Antelope-brush ecosystem which is one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. n Grassland ecosystems only comprise 1.5% of BC’s provincial land base, but provide habitat for 1/3 of BC’s rare and endangered species, including supporting Canada’s highest diversity of pollinator species. The Okanagan is not only noted for the diversity and uniqueness of its plant and animal species, it is also the region with the most endangered, threatened and rare species in the province. n Land-use pressures are high in the valleys. Along with increasing residential population, grazing, irrigated forage production, and fruit orchards are common. n Approximately 40,000 ha of the ecoregion is farmland, with intensive residential and agricultural land use characterizing much of the region. n The Okanagan Valley is one of the four signifi cant agricultural areas in BC. Orchards, vineyards, and cash crops take advantage of favourable soil conditions. The majority of BC’s tree fruit is produced here, and recent expansion of late-season grape and cherry farming is further enlarging the sector.

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

Okanagan Highlands includes: Osoyoos, Oliver, Cawston, and Kaledon

Okanagan Highlands 7 Meet the Pollinators

Most of us are familiar with the side. Other common solitary bees colonies of honey bees that have include mining bees, (Andrena spp.), been the workhorses of agricultural which nest underground and are pollination for years in Canada. common in the spring; leaf-cutter They were imported from Europe bees (Megachile spp.), which prefer almost 400 years ago and continue dead trees or branches for their nest to be managed for honey production sites; and mason bees (Osmia spp.), and pollination services. There which utilize cavities they fi nd in are over 800 species of native stems and dead wood that they fi ll ground and twig nesting bees in with mud. Canada. Most of these bee species live a solitary life; a minority are Butterfl ies social and form colonies or nest in Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny

Photo Jim Cruce aggregations. areas such as meadows and along woodland edges that provide bright Rufous Hummingbird, a year-round Native bees visit and pollinate fl owers, water sources, and specifi c species in the Okanagan Highlands many crops; in many cases they host plants for their caterpillars. ecoregion. are better at transferring pollen Gardeners have been attracting than honey bees. Our native bees butterfl ies to their gardens for some can be encouraged to do more to time. Baird’s Swallowtail support agricultural endeavours if their needs for nesting habitat are To encourage butterfl ies place met and if suitable sources of nectar, fl owering plants where they have pollen, and water are provided. Bees full sun and are protected from the come in a variety of body shapes wind. They usually look for fl owers and sizes, and even have tongues that provide a good landing platform. of different lengths. Native bees Butterfl ies need open areas (e.g., visit the widest range of fl owers and bare earth, large stones) where crops of any pollinator group. they can bask, and moist soil from which they wick needed minerals. There are over 35 species of bumble Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even bees in BC. Bombus nevadensis is dung, so don’t clean up all the messes our largest; and Bombus insularis is in your garden! By providing a safe a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee), place to eat and nest, gardeners can laying her eggs in other bumble also support the pollination role that Who are the bee nests. Bumble bees (Bombus butterfl ies play in the landscape. pollinators? spp.) form small colonies, usually underground making use of old British Columbia has the largest Bees rodent burrows or dense thatches. diversity of butterfl ies in Canada, Bees are the best documented They are generalists, feeding with 187 known species. Some pollinators in the natural and on a wide range of plant types of the butterfl ies that have been agricultural landscapes of the from May to September and are found in the Okanagan Highlands Okanagan Highlands ecoregion. important pollinators of tomatoes ecoregion include the two-tailed A wide range of wild and crop and blueberries. Sweat bees (family swallowtail (Papilio multicaudatus), plants, including plants in the Aster Halictidae) are medium to small- Baird’s swallowtail (Papilio machaon), and Rose Families, agricultural sized, slender bees that commonly the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), crop, specialty crop, and some nest underground. Various species and california hairstreak (Satyrium forage crops, all benefi t from bee are solitary while others form californica Scudder). pollinators. loose colonies, nesting side-by-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okanagan Highlands 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Okanagan Highlands 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of 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 which can be utilized by pollinator needs and the plant list in pollinators visiting your land, you this document to guide your choices. may be able to devote more space • Choose a variety of plants that to habitat elements that are missing will provide nectar and pollen 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 specifi c 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 native plant/botany study group that specialized cultivars sometimes or conservation groups. Visit your aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers regional botanic gardens and that have been drastically altered, arboreta. such as cultivars with double petals or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent pollinators from fi nding and feeding on the fl owers. In addition, some cultivars don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.

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

Okanagan Highlands 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Okanagan Highlands 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 Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host Trees and Shrubs Acer glabrum sun to partial Douglas Maple 1-10m yellow-green April-May dry to moist bees var. Douglasii shade sun to partial Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon 1-5m white April moist to dry bees, fl ies X shade Arctostaphylos 0.05- sun to partial Kinnikinnick pale pink March-May dry bees, butterfl ies X uva-ursi 0.15m shade Ceanothus Red-stem Ceanothus 1-3m white May-June partial shade moist to dry bees sanguineus sun to partial Ceanothus velutinus Snowbrush Ceanothus 0.5-2m white March-April dry to moist bees shade greenish- sun to partial moist, well Cornus sericea Red-Osier Dogwood 2-4m March-April butterfl ies X white shade drained sun to partial Crataegus douglasii Black Hawthorn 1-8m white May-June dry to moist butterfl ies X shade

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

Elaeagnus Silverberry or Wolf- up to 3m silvery yellow May-June sun dry to moist bees commutata willow August- dry, well Ericameria nauseosa Rabbitbrush 1.0m yellow sun bees, butterfl ies, fl ies September drained sun to partial Holodiscus discolor Oceanspray 1-4m cream-white June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X shade sun to partial Mahonia aquifolium Tall Oregon-grape 0.5-2.5m yellow March-April dry to moist bees, butterfl ies shade 0.15- bees, butterfl ies, fl ies, Penstemon fruticosus Shrubby Penstemon blue-lavender April-May sun dry to moist 0.40m hummingbirds Philadelphus lewisii Mock-orange 1-3m creamy white May-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies sun to partial dry to moist, bees, butterfl ies, Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6-10m cream-white March-May X shade well drained moths Purshia tridentata Antelopebrush up to 2m yellow April-May sun dry bees, butterfl ies, fl ies X dry, well Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac up to 3m yellowish March-April sun bees drained sun to partial dry to moist, Ribes cereum Wax Currant 0.5-1.5m pale pink Feb-March bees, fl ies X shade well drained sun, partial Rosa nutkana Nootka Rose 1-3m pink May-June shade to dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X shade sun, partial Rosa woodsii Wood’s Rose 2m deep pink May shade to dry to moist bees shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host greenish sun to partial Salix glauca Grey-leaved Willow up to 3m May-June wet to moist bees yellow shade sun to partial moist, well Salix scouleriana Scouler’s Willow up to 10m greenish March-April bees X shade drained sun to partial Salix sitchensis Sitka Willow 1-8m greenish March-April moist to wet bees shade Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry 2-2.5m white March-April sun moist to dry bees Shepherdia partial to full dry, well Buffaloberry 1-2m yellowish March-May bees canadensis shade drained Western Mountain- sun to partial Sorbus scopulina 1-5m white March-May moist bees ash shade Symphoricarpos pale pink- sun to partial Common Snowberry 0.5-3m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X albus white shade Symphoricarpos pale pink- sun to partial Western Snowberry 0.3-1m March-May dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X occindentalis white shade creamy to late July- Tetradymia canescens Grey Horsebrush up to 0.8m sun dry bees, butterfl ies, fl ies bright yellow September Forbs bees, beetles, Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow 0.75m white-pink April-July sun dry X butterfl ies bees, butterfl ies, Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 0.3m pink March-May sun dry hummingbirds Anaphalis white & sun to partial Pearly Everlasting up to 0.9m June-July dry to moist bees, butterfl ies margaritacea yellow shade Antennaria February- Sagebrush Pussytoes 0.1m grey-white sun dry bees, butterfl ies dimorpha March pale to rose Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussytoes 0.1m March-April sun dry bees, butterfl ies pink Arabis holboelii Hoelboel’s Rockcress 0.3m white-pink March-May sun dry bees, butterfl ies X orange-red Sitka or Western sun to partial normal to bees, butterfl ies, Aquilegia formosa up to 0.5m sepals; yellow March-April Columbine shade moist hummingbirds inner petals pinkish- butterfl ies, Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed up to 1m May-June sun dry X purple hummingbirds Astragalus Freckled Milk-vetch 0.1-0.4m pale yellow May-June sun dry bees, butterfl ies lentiginosus whitish Astragalus miser Timber Milk-vetch 0.1-0.4m April-June sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X purple Astragalus purshii Woollypod Milk-vetch 0.05-0.1m purple May-June sun dry bees, butterfl ies Balsamorhiza Arrow-leaved sun to partial 0.4-1.2m yellow March-April dry bees, fl ies sagittata Balsamroot shade

Okanagan Highlands continued on page 18 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Okanagan Highlands

Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host Calochortus Sagebrush Mariposa 0.2-0.5m pale pink May-June sun dry bees, fl ies macrocarpus Lily Campanula June- sun to partial Common Harebell 0.1-0.8m purple dry to moist bees, hummingbirds rotundifolia September shade Common Red sun to partial Castilleja miniata 0.8m red April-May dry bees Paintbrush shade Chamaenerion Fireweed 1-3m purlish-pink June-August sun dry to moist bees, hummingbirds angustifolium Important nectar Cirsium undulatum Wavy-leaved Thistle 1-2m pale lilac-pink May-July sun dry to moist source for a variety of X butterfl ies and beetles bees, beetles, Crepis atribarba Slender Hawksbeard 0.15-0.7m yellow May-July sun dry butterfl ies, fl ies Cryptantha Torrey’s 0.1-0.4m white April-June sun dry to moist bees torreyana Cat’s-eye Delphinium Upland or Nuttal’s 0.4m deep blue March-April sun dry bees, hummingbirds nuttallianum Larkspur white and Erigeron corymbosus Long-leaved Fleabane 0.1-0.5m June-August sun dry butterfl ies X pink August- bees, beetles, Erigeron fi lifolius Three-leaved Fleabane 0.1-0.5m pale purple sun dry September butterfl ies, fl ies Erigeron pumilus Shaggy Daisy 0.1-0.3m white March-May sun dry fl ies, bees August- sun to partial Erigeron speciosus Showy Fleabane 0.4-0.8m pale purple dry to moist bees, butterfl ies, fl ies September shade Erigeron subtrinervis Three-nerved Daisy 0.3-0.6m pale purple June-July sun dry bees, butterfl ies, fl ies Eriogonum Parsnip-fl owered dry, well bees, beetles, 0.4m orange-pink April-June sun X heracleoides Buckwheat drained butterfl ies white to August- Eriogonum niveum Snow Buckwheat 0.3m sun dry bees, butterfl ies X pinkish September light to deep Fritillaria affi nis Chocolate Lily 0.8m dark brown March-May dry to moist bees, other insects shade Fritillaria pudica Yellow Bells 0.02-0.1m dark yellow March-April sun dry bees, other insects bees, beetle (soft- yellow to winged fl ower Gaillardia aristata Blanketfl ower 0.2-0.7m May-October sun dry orange beetle Listrus senilis), butterfl ies sun to partial Geum macrophyllum Large-leaved Avens 0.3-1m yellow May-June moist bees, other insects shade pink-pale sun to partial Geum trifl orum Old Man’s Whiskers 0.2-0.4m March-April dry bees, other insects lavender shade Grindelia squarrosa July- Curly-cup Gumweed up to 1m yellow sun dry bees, fl ies var. quasiperennis September Heterotheca villosa Golden-aster 0.1-0.5m yellow July-October sun dry bees, other pollinators

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host Nectar source for Round-leaf Alumroot sun to partial Heuchera cylindrica 0.3-0.5m white-cream May-July dry hummingbirds and or Yellow Coralbells shade pollinator insects Nectar source for Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet Gilia 0.2-1m red-orange May-June sun dry butterfl ies and hummingbirds Bitterroot or Rock 0.01- white to deep Lewisia rediviva May sun dry bees, beetles Rose 0.03m rose Lithophragma 0.05- pinkish- Smooth Fringecup March-April sun moist to dry bees, fl ies glabrum 0.25m purple Lithophragma Small-fl owered 0.10- light pink March-April sun moist to dry bees, fl ies parvifl orum Woodland Star 0.30m Lomatium 0.10- yellow or Wyeth Biscuitroot May-June sun dry bees, fl ies ambiguum 0.80m white white or Lomatium Large-fruited Desert bees, beetles, 0.12-50m purplish- March-May sun dry macrocarpum Parsley butterfl ies, fl ies white deep blue- sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Lupinus sericeus Silky Lupine 0.3-0.6m April-May dry X dark lavendar shade hummingbirds June- bees, butterfl ies, Mentzelia laevicaulis Blazing-star 0.3-1m yellow sun dry September moths Long-fl owered 0.05- sun to partial Mertensia longifl ora blue Mar-May dry to moist bees Bluebell 0.25m shade Brittle Prickly-pear orange-tinged Opuntia fragilis 0.05-0.2m May-July sun dry bees, other insects Cactus yellow Many-spined Prickly- orange-tinged Opuntia polyacantha 0.05-0.2m May-July sun dry bees, other insects pear Cactus yellow cream- bees, butterfl ies, fl ies, Penstemon confertus Yellow Penstemon 0.5m April-June sun dry to moist coloured hummingbirds up to deep blue bees, butterfl ies, fl ies, Penstemon procerus Little Penstemon June-August sun dry 0.25m lavender hummingbirds Penstemon Richardson’s up to July- bees, butterfl ies, fl ies, bright pink sun dry to moist richardsonii Penstemon 0.75m September hummingbirds sun to partial bees, buttferfl ies, fl ies, Penstemon pruinosus Chelan Penstemon up to 0.3m blue-purple May-June dry shade hummingbirds Phacelia hastata Silver-leaf Phacelia up to 0.5m white April-May sun dry to moist bees 0.10- Phacelia linearis Three-leaved Phacelia lavender-blue March-May sun dry to moist bees, beetles, fl ies 0.50m white, sun to partial Phlox diffusa Spreading Phlox 0.05-0.1m lavender, or April-May moist to dry bees sun deep pink white, Phlox longifolia Long-leafed Phlox 0.1-0.4m lavender, or April-May sun dry bees deep pink

Okanagan Highlands continued on page 20 19 continued from page 19 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Okanagan Highlands

Flower Flower Also a Botanical Name Common Name Height Colour Season Sun Soil Pollinators host Lance-leaved 0.05- Sedum lanceolatum yellow late June-July sun dry bees, other insects Stonecrop 0.25m August- Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod 0.3-1.65m gold sun dry to moist bees, other insects October Sphaeralcea Munro’s globe- apricot-pink up to 0.8m May-August sun dry bees, butterfl ies X munroana Mallow to reddish Symphyotrichum August- Lindley’s Aster 0.25-1.0m pale blue sun dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X ciliolatum September Symphyotrichum Tufted White Prairie August- 1m white sun dry bees, butterfl ies X ericoides Aster October Symphyotrichum August- sun to partial Leafy Aster 0.3-0.4m pale lavender dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X foliaceum October shade Urtica dioica spp. sun to partial Native Stinging Nettle 1-3m whiteish July-August moist to wet bees, butterfl ies X Gracilis shade sun to partial Viola adunca Sand Violet 0.02-0.1m violet April-June dry to moist bees, butterfl ies X shade Vines Clematis Western White sun to partial 6-20m white May-June dry to moist bees, fl ies ligusticifolium Clematis shade Shelter Plants (mainly grasses) Aristida purpurea var. Red Three-awn 0.2-0.5m sun dry X longiseta Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama 0.2-0.4m sun dry X dry, well- Elymus cinereus Giant Wildrye 1-3m sun X drained sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca campestris Rough Fescue 0.3-0.9m X shade well-drained sun to partial dry to moist, Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue 0.3-0.9m X shade well-drained Needle-and-Thread Hesperostipa comata 0.2-0.5m sun dry X Grass dry, well- Koeleria macrantha Junegrass 0.2-0.5m sun X drained Nectar source for Pseudoregneria Bluebunch dry, well- up to 1m sun Skipper & Satyr X spicata Wheatgrass drained butterlies

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators NOTES

Okanagan Highlands 21 NOTES

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators NOTES

Okanagan Highlands 23 Habitat Hints FOR THE Okanagan Highlands

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

24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

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

Okanagan Highlands 25 A Basic Checklist

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

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

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

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

26 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for Native Plants this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area. Native Plant Society of British Columbia www.npsbc.ca

Ecoregion profi le E Flora BC www.efl ora.bc.ca/ Environment Canada Ecozones Program - Okanagan Highlands http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/211.html Royal BC Museum Native Plant Garden Government of BC, Ministry of Environment www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and- ecosystems/ecosystems/broad-ecosystem/an_introduction_to_the_ Ministry of Environment ecoregions_of_british_columbia.pdf British Columbia www.env.gov.bc.ca/

Pollination/Pollinators Cultivating the Wild - Pollinator Partnership Eva Durance www.pollinator.org Border Free Bees (Okanagan)

North American Pollinator Protection Campaign Okanagan Xeriscape Association www.nappc.org Master Gardeners BC

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

Canadian Honey Council n Is there any information you www.honeycouncil.ca feel is missing from the guide?

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

Okanagan Highlands 27 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Victoria Wojcik Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

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

Photo Contributors: Jim Cruce

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

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