Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe -Coniferous Forest -Alpine Meadow Province
Including the states of:
Idaho and Montana
and parts of: Oregon and and NAPPC Washington Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Middle Rocky Mountain 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
This is one of several guides for Check list 22 different regions in the United States. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future Resources and Feedback 23 guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]
Cover bee photo by Diane Petit
2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators
A Regional Guide for
Farmers, Land Managers,
and Gardeners
In the
Ecological Region of the
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe-
Coniferous Forest-
Alpine Meadow Province
Including the states of:
Idaho and Montana
And parts of:
Oregon and Washington
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. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow 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
Alfalfa, mint, cherries, and sunflowers are some of the crops raised in the Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 billion are a critical 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 habitat 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 Co-Founder, provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. 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 seasons 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 and is used to predict responses Annual precipitation ranges from in a series of plant selection tools to land management practices 20 to 30 inches. Vegetation varies designed to provide information throughout large areas. This guide considerably with altitude. Douglas on how individuals can influence addresses pollinator-friendly land fir is dominant below the subalpine pollinator populations through management practices in what zone, lodgepole pines and grasses choices they make when they farm is known as the Middle Rocky are found primarily in the basin- a plot of ground, manage large Mountain Steppe. and-range areas of the eastern parts tracts of public land, or plant a Portions of four states make up the of the province, and ponderosa pine garden. Each of us can have a 81,800 square miles of this province is dominant below the Douglas fir positive impact by providing the with elevations ranging from 3,000 belt to the west of the continental essential habitat requirements for to as high as 10,000 feet. The varied divide. pollinators including food, water, topography is characterized by Long before there were homes shelter, and enough space to allow mountainous regions, including the and farms in this area, the original, pollinators to raise their young. Blue Mountains and the Salmon natural vegetation provided Pollinators travel through the River Mountains, and a basin-and- continuous cover and adjacent landscape without regard to range area comprised of mountains, feeding opportunities for wildlife, property ownership or state alluvial fans, and floodplains. including pollinators. In chosing boundaries. We’ve chosen to use Average annual temperatures vary plants, aim to create habitat for R.G. Bailey’s classification system greatly, ranging from 32° to 68°F. pollinators that allow adequate food to identify the geographic focus The climate of this province is shelter, and water sources. Most of this guide and to underscore relatively mild despite being pollinators have very small home the connections between climate situated far north and including ranges. You can make a difference and vegetation types that affect many high altitudes, primarily by understanding the vegetation the diversity of pollinators in the due to its proximity to the Pacific patterns of the farm, forest, or environment. Ocean. It is semiarid since most neighbor’s yard adjacent to you Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United moisture is precipitated as air flows and by making planting choices States, developed by the United west across the Rocky Mountains, that support the pollinators’ need States Forest Service, is a system and temperature and snowfall for food and shelter as they move created as a management tool vary greatly according to altitude. through the landscape.
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 5 Understanding the Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe Province
n This region is designated number M332 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html
n Not sure about which bioregion you live or work in? Go to www.pollinator.org and click on Ecoregion Locator for help.
n 81,800 square miles within Oregon and Washington.
n Primarily mountainous and basin-and-range topography.
n Elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to 10,000 feet.
n Average annual temperature range from 32° to 68°F.
n Average year-round precipitation between 20-30 inches.
n USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-6a (1990 version).
Characteristics
n Vegetation varies considerably with altitude.
n Douglas fir is dominant below the subalpine zone.
n Lodgepole pines and grasses are found primarily in the basin- and-range areas of the eastern parts of the province.
n Ponderosa pine is dominant below the Douglas fir belt to the west of the continental divide.
6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe - Coniferous Forest to improve pollinator habitat makes - Alpine Meadow Province includes the states of: sense in advancing our family farm’s Idaho and Montana conservation and economic objectives,
And parts of: enhancing beneficial wildlife and
Oregon and Washington improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”
--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes spp.), which nest underground; Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Bees are well documented which prefer dead trees or branches pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees agricultural systems of the Middle (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Rocky Mountain Steppe Province. that they find in stems and dead A wide range of crops including wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) alfalfa, mint, sunflowers, and are also solitary ground nesters. cherries are just a few plants that benefit from bee pollinators. Butter fl ies Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for been the workhorses of agricultural some time. These insects tend to pollination for years in the United be eye-catching, as are the flowers States. They were imported from that attract them. Position flowering Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil An arrowhead blue butterfly on lupine, from which they may get needed a host plant in Idaho. life. Native bees currently pollinate many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also A bee foraging on a golden pea flower endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that in Idaho. habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species are solitary while others form loose in the Middle Rocky Mountain Photos by Amy Pocewicz Amy by Photos colonies.
8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Steppe Province are Brush-footed, as butterfly or bird watching. Yet members of the carrot family like Gossamer-winged, Swallowtail, beetles do play a role in pollination. Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). Parnassian, Skipper, White, Some have a bad reputation Sulphur and Milkweed butterflies. because they can leave a mess They usually look for flowers that behind, damaging plant parts that Bir ds provide a good landing platform. they eat. Beetles are not as efficient Hummingbirds are the primary as some pollinators. They wander birds which play a role in Wet mud areas provide butterflies between different species, often pollination in North America. with both the moisture and dropping pollen as they go. Their long beaks and tongues draw minerals they need to stay healthy. nectar from tubular flowers. Pollen Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be is carried on both the beaks and dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with feathers of different hummingbirds. messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They The regions closer to the tropics, are known to pollinate Magnolia, with warmer climates, boast the sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw largest number of hummingbird Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. species and the greatest number of Moths are most easily distinguished native plants to support the bird’s from butterflies by their antennae. need for food. White-winged doves Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the gigantea) in the south central United but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the States. tip. In addition, butterflies typically number of fly species and the fact are active during the day; moths at that flies are generalist pollinators Bright colored tubular flowers night. Butterfly bodies are not very (visit many species of plants), attract hummingbirds to gardens hairy, while moth bodies are quite should encourage us all to leave throughout the United States. hairy and more stout. those flies alone and let them do Hummingbirds can see the color their job as pollinators. red; bees cannot. Many tropical Moths, generally less colorful flowers, grown as perennials than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies in the Middle Rocky Mountain in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers Steppe Province, along with native to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in woodland edge plants, attract smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The hummingbirds. night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study states that flies are economically Bats important as pollinators for a range Though bats in the Middle Rocky Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental Mountain Steppe Province are not Over 30,000 species of beetles flowers. pollinators, bats play an important are found in the United States Plants pollinated by the fly role in pollination in the southwest and many of them can be found include the American pawpaw where they feed on agave and on flower heads. Gardeners have (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum cactus. The long-nosed bats’ head yet to intentionally draw beetles (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk shape and long tongue allows it to their gardens, possibly because cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), to delve into flower blossoms and beetle watching isn’t as inspiring goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and extract both pollen and nectar.
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Which Flowers Plant D o th e Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Pollinators Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or pr e f e r ? 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 patches or reduced and some are more important 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 Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; based on the similar characteristics None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply effective for that group of plants. somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a pollination syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide pollinator find necessary pollen and Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another.
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Plant Pollinator 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
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow 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, woodlands, and gardens to pollinators such as butterflies. Pollinators need protection from determine what actions you can take • Plant in groups to increase severe weather and from predators to encourage other pollinators to feed pollination efficiency. If a pollinator as well as sites for nesting and and nest. Evaluate the placement of can visit the same type of flower roosting. individual plants and water sources over and over, it doesn’t have to • Incorporate different canopy and use your knowledge of specific relearn how to enter the flower layers in the landscape by planting pollinator needs to guide your choice and can transfer pollen to the same trees, shrubs, and different-sized and placement of additional plants species, instead of squandering the perennial plants. and other habitat elements. Minor pollen on unreceptive flowers. • Leave dead snags for nesting sites changes by many individuals can • Plant with bloom season in mind, of bees, and other dead plants and positively impact the pollinator providing food from early spring to 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
Cherries, alfalfa, sunflowers, and weeds can provide needed food for mint are a few of the food crops pollinators. “ food supplies for in the Middle Rocky Mountain • Minimize tillage to protect ground Steppe Province that will benefit nesting pollinators. from 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, food for native populations when and field borders throughout the to maintaining targeted crops are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that strong hives to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollination pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food the following • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. herbicides. Perhaps the targeted winter .” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 13 Public Lands
“ From
hummingbirds
to beetles, to
butterfl ies,
nature’s
pollinators help
keep Midewin’s
Tallgrass prairie Public lands are maintained for In an effort to increase populations restorations specific reasons ranging from high of pollinators the land manager can: impact recreation to conservation. • Inventory and become full of diverse In the Middle Rocky Mountain knowledgeable of local pollinators. Steppe Province, natural areas • Provide connectivity between have been altered to allow for roads, vegetation areas by creating fl owering buildings, open lawn areas, boat corridors of perennials, shrubs, and ramps, and vistas. Less disturbed trees that provide pollinators shelter plants. Insect natural areas can be augmented with and food as they move through the plantings of native plant species. landscape. monitoring Existing plantings around buildings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas and parking areas should be that support recreational needs. provides a key evaluated to determine if pollinator- • Restrict the use of pesticides and friendly plants can be substituted herbicides. or added to attract and support • Provide water sources in large measure of our pollinators. Public land managers open areas. have a unique opportunity to use • Maintain natural meadows and success.” their plantings as an education openings that provide habitats for tool to help others understand sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. -- Logan Lee the importance of pollinators in • Remove invasive species and Prairie Supervisor, Midewin the environment through signs, encroaching shrubs and trees. National Tallgrass Prairie brochures, and public 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.
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe Province The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”
Botanical Name Common Name Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs Artemisia tridentata basin sagebrush yellow yellow Dasiphora fruticosa shrubby cinquefoil yellow yellow yellow yellow ssp. floribunda Philadelphus lewisii syringa white white white
Purshia tridentata bitterbrush yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow
Rosa nutkana Nootka rose pink pink
Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry white white
Sambucus racemosa elderberry white white Vaccinium pink to pink to whortleberry scoparium white white Perennial Flowers Aconitum western monkshood blue columbianum Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow Arenaria congesta ballhead sandwort white white white Astragalus pink to pink to pink to pink to spiny milkvetch kentrophyta purple purple purple purple Astragalus purshii Pursh’s milkvetch pink pink pink pink Berberis repens creeping oregon grape yellow yellow Calochortus white to white to white to white white mariposa lily eurycarpus pink pink pink to pink Caltha leptosepala marsh marigold white white white white Castilleja miniata scarlet paintbrush red red red red red Clematis hirsutissima hairy clematis purple purple purple Corydalis aurea golden corydalis yellow yellow Delphinium nuttall’s larkspur blue blue blue nuttallianum pale pale pale Dicentra uniflora steer’s head pale pink pink pink pink Dodecatheon jeffreyi mountain shooting-star pink pink pink Eriogonum Parsnipflower pale pale pale heracleoides buckwheat yellow yellow yellow Frasera speciosa green gentian white white Fritillaria pudica yellow fritillary yellow yellow
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Geranium sticky geranium pink pink pink pink viscosissimum Geum triflorum prairie smoke pink pink pink streambank white to white to white Iliamna rivulari globemallow pink pink to pink Iris missouriensis western blue flag blue blue
Lewisia rediviva bitterroot pink pink
Linum lewisii Lewis’ flax blue blue blue
Lomatium dissectum fern-leaf biscuitroot purple purple
Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine blue blue
Mahonia repens Oregon grape yellow yellow yellow yellow
Maianthemum star-flowered white white white stellatum Solomon’s seal
Mimulus lewisii lewis’ monkeyflower pink pink maroon- maroon- maroon- Paeonia brownii western peony red red red Parnassia fimbriata grass-of-parnassus white white white
Penstemon payettensis payette beardtounge blue blue blue small-flowered Penstemon procerus blue blue penstemon Phacelia hastata silverleaf phacelia blue blue blue
Primula cusickiana cusick’s primrose purple purple
Senecio serra butterweed yellow yellow Sisyrinchium blue-eyed grass blue blue blue montanum Sphaeralcea Gooseberryleaf orange orange orange grossulariifolia globemallow Valeriana edulis tobacco root white white white
Viola nuttallii nuttall’s violet yellow yellow
Wyethia helianthoides White mules-ears white white
Xerophyllum tenax bear grass white white
Zygadenus elegans mountain death camas white white
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators i n TH E Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe Province The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too. Visitation by Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Sun Soil Season pollinator Trees & Shrubs Artemisia tridentata basin sagebrush yellow 4-8’ Sept-Oct sun sandy, well drained bees, moths, flies Dasiphora fruticosa sun to part bees, beetles, flies, shrubby cinquefoil yellow 2-3’ June-Sept moist ssp. floribunda shade butterflies sun to part Philadelphus lewisii syringa white 8-10’ May-July dry to moist bees, insects shade bees, butterflies, Purshia tridentata bitterbrush yellow 2-10’ April-Aug sun dry and rocky flies full sun to bees, butterflies, Rosa nutkana Nootka rose pink 2-6’ June-July moist partial shade beetles full sun/full bees, beetles, flies, Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry white 4-7’ June-July dry to moist shade butterflies full to partial mid-range (not too bees, beetles, flies, Sambucus racemosa elderberry white 4-7’ May-June sun dry/wet) butterflies pink to partial sun, Vaccinium scoparium whortleberry 6-15” June-July moist, forest soils bees white shade Perennial Flowers Aconitum western monkshood blue 2-4’ July shade moist meadows bees columbianum sun to partial bees, beetles, Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow 6-18” July sandy, well drained shade butterflies Arenaria congesta ballhead sandwort white 6-12” May-July sun sandy, well drained bees, flies Astragalus pink to spiny milkvetch 6-25” April - July sun sandy, well drained bees kentrophyta purple Astragalus purshii Pursh’s milkvetch pink 3-5” April-July sun sandy, well drained bees creeping oregon sun to partial Berberis repens yellow 1-3’ April-May dry or moist soils bees, insects grape shade Calochortus white to sun to partial white mariposa lily 1-2’ May-August moist bees, beetles, flies eurycarpus pink shade sun to partial Caltha leptosepala marsh marigold white 3-6” May-August wet to moist bees shade Castilleja miniata scarlet paintbrush red 1-3’ May-Sept sun moist hummingbirds Clematis hirsutissima hairy clematis purple 1-3’ April-June sun dry, well drained bees sun to partial Corydalis aurea golden corydalis yellow 6-14” April-May sandy, well drained bees shade Delphinium bees, nuttall’s larkspur blue 8-14” May-July sun sandy, well drained nuttallianum hummingbirds sun to partial Dicentra uniflora steer’s head pale pink 1-3” Feb-June moist to dry bees shade mountain shooting- sun to partial Dodecatheon jeffreyi pink 1-3’ June-Aug moist to wet bees star shade Eriogonum Parsnipflower pale yellow 1-2’ March-May sun dry, well drained bees, beetles heracleoides buckwheat sun to partial Frasera speciosa green gentian white 2-5’ July-Aug dry or moist soils bees, flies, beetles shade
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Visitation by Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Sun Soil Season pollinator sun to partial Fritillaria pudica yellow fritillary yellow 3-10” April-May sandy, well drained bees, flies, beetles shade Geranium sun to partial sticky geranium pink 1-3’ May-August dry, well drained bees viscosissimum shade sun to partial Geum triflorum prairie smoke pink 6-18” May-July dry to moist bees shade streambank white to sun to partial bees, beetles, Iliamna rivulari 2-5’ June-Aug moist to wet globemallow pink shade butterflies Iris missouriensis western blue flag blue 1-2’ May-June sun wet to dry bees Lewisia rediviva bitterroot pink 2-3” June-July sun dry, rocky soils bees, insects Linum lewisii Lewis’ flax blue 18-20” May-July sun dry bees Lomatium dissectum fern-leaf biscuitroot purple 3-6” June-July part shade dry to moist bees, flies, beetles sun to partial Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine blue 1-3’ June-July dry, rocky soils bees shade sun to partial Mahonia repens Oregon grape yellow 1-3’ April-July dry bees, butterflies shade Maianthemum star-flowered shade to partial white 1-2’ May-July moist bees, beetles, flies stellatum Solomon’s seal sun sun to partial Mimulus lewisii lewis’ monkeyflower pink 2-4’ July-Aug moist soils bees, flies, beetles shade Paeonia brownii western peony maroon-red 12-18” April-June part shade dry bees, wasps, ants Parnassia fimbriata grass-of-parnassus white 12-18” July-Sept shade wet bees, flies Penstemon talus and rocky hummingbirds, payette beardtounge blue 1-2’ June-Aug sun payettensis meadows bees, butterflies small-flowered hummingbirds, Penstemon procerus blue 4-20” June-July sun dry to moist penstemon bees, butterflies Phacelia hastata silverleaf phacelia blue 8-20” May-August sun sandy, well drained bees sun to partial Primula cusickiana cusick’s primrose purple 4-6” June-July moist bees and moths shade sun to partial Senecio serra butterweed yellow 2-4” July-Aug moist bees, butterflies shade Sisyrinchium sun to partial blue-eyed grass blue 6-15” May-July moist to dry bees montanum shade Sphaeralcea Gooseberryleaf bees, flies, orange 1-2’ April-June sun dry, well drained grossulariifolia globemallow butterflies sun to partial Valeriana edulis tobacco root white 12-40” June-Aug sandy to moist bees, insects shade sun to partial Viola nuttallii nuttall’s violet yellow 2-4” April-May sandy to moist bees, insects shade bees, flies, beetles, Wyethia helianthoides White mules-ears white 12-20” April-May sun moist to dry butterflies sun to partial Xerophyllum tenax bear grass white 1-4’ July-Aug sandy, well drained moths shade mountain death sun to partial Zygadenus elegans white 1-3” May-June sandy, well drained bees camas shade
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe PROVINCE
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced 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 rain.
Large carpenter bees: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.
Digger bees: Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.
Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “ MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or 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 generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow 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 were consulted to gather information Native Plants Butterflies and Moths for this guide. Use this list as a Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, Plant Conservation Alliance starting point to learn more about Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, www.nps.gov/plants pollinators and plants in your area. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Seeds of Success Moths of North America. Bozeman, Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps www.nps.gov/plants/sos MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Information Node. USDA Forest Service Center www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.wildflower.org/plants/ (Version 07192007) ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ Audubon Society Field Guide to Pollination/Pollinators U.S. National Arboretum Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ York, NY. Pollinator Partnership ushzmap.html North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org Coevolution Institute Database www.coevolution.org www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 Natural Resources National Plant Data Center, Feedback Conservation Service Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA www.nrcs.usda.gov We need your help to create better North American Pollinator guides for other parts of North Protection Campaign Native Bees America. Please e-mail your input www.nappc.org to [email protected] USDA Forest Service National Sustainable Information or fax to 415-362-3070. www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ Service n Wild Farm Alliance “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” How will you use this guide? www.wildfarmalliance.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA n Do you find the directions The Xerces Society Publication #IP126 clear? If not, please tell us www.xerces.org www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ what is unclear. Illinois Natural History Survey nativebee.html www.inhs.uiuc.edu n Is there any information you Agriculture Research Service feel is missing from the guide? Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Plants Attractive to Native Bees table 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. n Island Press: Washington, DC. htm?docid=12052 Any other comments?
Committee on the Status of Thank you Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of Pollinators in North America for taking The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!
Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Stephen Buchmann, Ph.D. NAPPC Steve Olson Katherine McGuire
Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
Production Supervision: Katherine McGuire
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Concept review: Plant Conservation Alliance 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: Diane Petit, Amy Pocewicz
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.orgSelecting Plants for Pollinators