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Home , Steppe

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Southwest and Dry Steppe

and Province

Including Parts of

New and and NAPPC of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Far ms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

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

Cover: Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, courtesy Lew Scharpf; www.pbase.com/lejun

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province

Including Parts of

New Mexico and Texas

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 3 Why support pollinators?

In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ Farming feeds of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Persimmons, peaches, onions and cantaloupes are some of the crops raised in the Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate are a critical approximately $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

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

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

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

Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

This regional guide is just one throughout large areas. This guide juniper and needlegrass dominate in a series of plant selection tools addresses pollinator-friendly land , where grow low and designed to provide information management practices in what is in open stands (unless on steep on how individuals can influence known as the Southwest Plateau rocky slopes) due to low rainfall. pollinator populations through and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Ceniza shrub is prevalent along the choices they make when they farm Province. descent to the Rio Grande where a plot of ground, manage large This 160,900 square mile province a forest of mesquite-, tracts of public land, or plant a is a region primarily varied by including subtropical semiarid garden. Each of us can have a irregular plains and tablelands with such as the endangered positive impact by providing the areas of flat to rolling plains, hills, sabal palm, inhabits the delta. The essential habitat requirements for and plateaus dissected by canyons Gulf Coast supports areas of live pollinators including food, water, with moderate relief. Elevations at oak forest. shelter, and enough space to allow the Gulf Coastal range from Long before there were homes pollinators to raise their young. sea level to 4,000 feet and rise to and farms in this area, the original, Pollinators travel through the 6,500 feet near the Rocky natural vegetation provided landscape without regard to Piedmont. The semiarid is continuous cover and adjacent property ownership or state characterized by short and mild feeding opportunities for wildlife, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use winters and long and hot summers including pollinators. In choosing R.G. Bailey’s classification system with an extensive frost-free . plants, aim to create habitat for to identify the geographic focus Annual temperatures average from pollinators that allow adequate food of this guide and to underscore 60° to 70°F. Annual rainfall ranges shelter, and water sources. Most the connections between climate from 30 inches in the east to10 to 15 pollinators have very small home and vegetation types that affect inches in the west, and is exceeded ranges. You can make a difference the diversity of pollinators in the by up to 80 inches of annual by understanding the vegetation environment. evaporation. patterns of the farm, forest, or Bailey’s of the United This province is characterized neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United by a unique collection of arid and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system . On eastern New that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool Mexico and Northwest Texas plains, for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses buffalo grass and blue grama are through the landscape. to land management practices interspersed with mesquite. Oak,

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 5 Understanding the Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

n This region is designated number M315 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html

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

n 160,900 square miles within eastern New Mexico and Texas.

n Primarily flat to rolling plains and plateaus.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 6,900 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 60°F to 70°F.

n Average year-round from 30 inches in the east to 10-15 inches in the west.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-11.

Characteristics

n Distinguished by arid grasslands with low trees and growing mostly in open stands to vegetation with Mexican affinities and live oak forest.

n Common species include needlegrass, buffalo grass, galleta grass, blue grama, sagebrush, mesquite, yucca, red cedar, Ashe juniper, ceniza, blackjack oak, acacia, cottonwood, and live oak.

n Conversion to agriculture has altered the landscape by increasing erosion, pollution from agrochemicals, and invasion of non-native grasses and shrubs.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Southwest Plateau and “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province to improve pollinator habitat makes includes parts of: sense in advancing our family farm’s New Mexico and Texas conservation and economic objectives,

enhancing beneficial wildlife and

improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

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

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

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

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

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Far ms

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterfl ies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

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

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”

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

Amorpha leadplant purple purple canescens

Cornus roughleaf creamy creamy creamy drummondii dogwood white white white

Cylindropuntia chollo magenta magenta imbricata

Prosopis greenish greenish greenish greenish greenish greenish velvet mesquite velutina yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow

Prunus Chickasaw plum white white angustifolia

Bush’s Rubus bushii white white blackberry

white to white to Yucca glauca soapweed yucca cream cream

Perennial Flowers

Asclepias greenish- greenish- greenish- greenish- asperula ssp. antelopehorns white white white white capricornu

Asclepias butterfly orange orange orange orange orange tuberosa milkweed

Astragalus Missouri pinkish- pinkish- pinkish- pinkish- missouriensis milkvetch purple purple purple purple

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Name Name Baptisia australis var. blue wild indigo blue blue minor

Callirhoe purple deep rose- deep rose- deep rose- deep deep involucrata poppymallow pink pink pink rose-pink rose-pink

Delphinium white white carolinianum Carolina larkspur tinged with tinged with ssp. virescens purple purple

Echinacea blacksamson pale pale purple angustifolia echinacea purple

Echinocereus Bailey’s reichenbachii pinkish pinkish hedgehog cactus ssp. baileyi

Liatris dotted blazing pinkish- pinkish- pinkish- punctata star purple purple purple

Oenothera bigfruit evening yellow yellow yellow macrocarpa primrose

pinkish- pinkish- Penstemon cobaea white with white with cobaea beardtongue purple lines purple lines

Solidago Missouri yellow yellow yellow yellow missouriensis goldenrod

Vernonia Baldwin’s purple purple purple baldwinii ironweed

Vines

Cucurbita Missouri gourd yellow yellow yellow yellow foetidissima

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators F OR TH E Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.

Also a Visitation by Common Flower host Botanical Name Color Height Sun Soil Pollinator Name Season plant Trees & Shrubs

loamy, sandy, Amorpha leadplant purple 1-3’ Jun-Jul full sun gravelly, or bees, flies X canescens clay full sun, Cornus roughleaf bees, creamy white 4-16’ Apr-Jun partial shade, various drummondii dogwood butterflies or shade

Cylindropuntia tree chollo magenta 3-6’ Jun-Jul full sun silty cactus bees imbricata

greenish silty, gravelly, bees, flies, Prosopis velutina velvet mesquite 20-55’ Mar-Aug full sun yellow or rocky butterflies

Prunus Chickasaw full sun or bees, flies, white 5-10’ Mar-Apr sandy angustifolia plum partial shade butterflies

Bush’s full sun or sandy to bees, flies, Rubus bushii white 2-4’ May-Jun blackberry partial shade loamy butterflies

soapweed white to Yucca glauca 2-4’ May-Jun full sun silty to loamy yucca moths X yucca cream

Perennial Flowers

moths, Asclepias asperula greenish- antelopehorns 1-2’ May-Aug full sun silty butterflies, X ssp. capricornu white bees, wasps well drained moths butterfly Asclepias tuberosa orange 18-24” May-Sep full sun sandy, loamy, butterflies, X milkweed or limestone bees, wasps

Astragalus Missouri pinkish- bees, 6-8” Apr-Jul full sun sandy, silty missouriensis milkvetch purple bumblebees

Baptisia australis blue wild bees, blue 18-24” May-Jun full sun silty to loamy var. minor indigo bumblebees

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also a Visitation by Common Flower host Botanical Name Color Height Sun Soil Pollinator Name Season plant bees, Callirhoe purple deep rose- gravelly to bumblebees, 6-12” May-Sep full sun involucrata poppymallow pink sandy flies, butterflies Delphinium Carolina white tinged carolinianum ssp. 1-2’ May-Jun full sun silty to loamy moths larkspur with purple virescens

Echinacea blacksamson bees, flies, pale purple 2-3’ Jun-Jul full sun various angustifolia echinacea butterflies

bees, Echinocereus Bailey’s various well bumblebees, reichenbachii ssp. hedgehog pinkish 4-12” May-Jun full sun drained flies, baileyi cactus butterflies bees, dotted blazing pinkish- bumblebees, Liatris punctata 10-24” Aug-Oct full sun sandy loam star purple flies, butterflies rocky or Oenothera bigfruit evening yellow 8-12” May-Jul full sun sandy, well hawkmoths macrocarpa primrose drained pinkish-white Penstemon cobaea calcerous bees, with purple 1-2’ Apr-May full sun cobaea beardtongue sandy loam bumblebees lines bees, Solidago Missouri sandy to bumblebees, yellow 2-3’ Jul-Oct full sun missouriensis goldenrod clayey loam flies, butterflies bees, Baldwin’s sandy to bumblebees, Vernonia baldwinii purple 3-5’ Jul-Sep full sun ironweed clayey loam flies, butterflies Vines

Cucurbita Missouri gourd yellow 6-18” May-Aug full sun alluvial squash bees foetidissima

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

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

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

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

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

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

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

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators R e sou r ce s

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

Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz

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

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

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

Photo Contributors: Lew Scharpf; www.pbase.com/lejun

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

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