Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

St. Lawrence Lowlands Ecoregion

Quebec City,

Montreal, Trois-Rivières,

Saint-Hyacinthe,

Cornwall, Brockville,

Ottawa, Gatineau,

and Pembroke Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

St. Lawrence Lowlands 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat hints 20

Habitat and Nesting requirements 21

S.H.A.R.E. 22

Checklist 22

This is one of several guides for different regions of North America. Resources and Feedback 23 We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides 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

St. Lawrence Lowlands

Ecoregion

Quebec City, Montreal,

Trois-Rivières, Saint-Hyacinthe,

Cornwall, Brockville,

Ottawa, Gatineau,

and Pembroke

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

Funding for this ecoregional guide was provided by The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

St. Lawrence Lowlands 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 urban landscapes production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. Apples, melons, raspberries, strawberries, peas, pumpkins, and tomatoes are some of the crop types grown in the St. actually feed the Lawrence Lowlands ecoregion that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than $1 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. terrestrial world,

Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and pollinators and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result research and conservation actions supporting native pollinators are increasingly active. Honey bee colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, are the great pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to connectors who commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. enable this giant It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the food system to natural world.

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

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

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

St. Lawrence Lowlands 5 Understanding the St. Lawrence Lowlands

n The St. Lawrence Lowlands ecoregion makes up the eastern portion of the Mixed Wood Plains ecozone, and includes the following ecoregions: Manitoulin-Lake Simcoe, Frontenac Axis, and the Lake Erie Lowlands. The geographic location, watershed, and combination of gentle topography, fertile soils, warm growing seasons and abundant rainfall have made this area intensely farmed and populated.

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

n 46,000 square kilometres in Québec.

n The topography includes till plains, lake plain, and rock landscapes.

n Elevations ranging from 15 to 150 meters above sea level.

n The mean summer temperature is 16.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -7°C.

n The mean annual precipitation ranges 800-1000 mm.

n Favourable climate patterns in the region support a strong Photo courtesy of Balalaika agricultural economy. More than 60% of the ecoregion is classifi ed as dependable agricultural land.

Characteristics

n Dominant land cover is agriculture with signifi cant areas of mixed forest and large urban centers.

n One of the highest areas of biodiversity found in Canada.

n Dissected by population centres, farms, and roads.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators St. Lawrence Lowlands includes: Quebec City, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Saint-Hyacinthe, Cornwall, Brockville, Ottawa, Gatineau, and Pembroke

St. Lawrence Lowlands 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the Sweat bees (family Halictidae) are medium to small-sized, slender bees pollinators? that commonly nest underground. Bees Various species are solitary while Bees are the best documented others form loose colonies, nesting pollinators in the natural and side-by-side. Other common agricultural landscapes of the St. solitary bees include carpenter Lawrence Lowlands ecoregion. A bees (Xylocopa virginica), which wide range of plants in the Aster and nest by chewing into wood; alkali Rose Families, apples, strawberries bees (Andrena spp.), which nest and raspberries are just a few plants underground and are common in the that benefi t from bee pollinators. spring; leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead trees or Most of us are familiar with the branches for their nest sites; and colonies of honey bees that have mason bees (Osmia spp.), which been the workhorses of agricultural utilize cavities they fi nd in stems and pollination for years in Canada. dead wood that they fi ll with mud. They were imported from Europe almost 400 years ago and continue Butterfl ies to be managed for honey production Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny and pollination services. There are areas such as meadows and along over 800 species of native ground woodland edges that provide bright and twig nesting bees in Canada. fl owers, water sources, and specifi c Most of these bee species live a Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne Photo courtesy of Tim host plants for their caterpillars. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a solitary life; a minority are social and Gardeners have been attracting summer species in the St. Lawrence form colonies or nest in aggregations. butterfl ies to their gardens for some Lowlands ecoregion. Native bees visit and pollinate time. To encourage butterfl ies place many crops; in many cases they fl owering plants where they have are better at transferring pollen full sun and are protected from the than honey bees. Our native bees wind. They usually look for fl owers can be encouraged to do more to that provide a good landing platform. support agricultural endeavours if Butterfl ies need open areas (e.g., their needs for nesting habitat are bare earth, large stones) where met and if suitable sources of nectar, they can bask, and moist soil from pollen, and water are provided. Bees which they wick needed minerals. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. come in a variety of body shapes Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even and sizes, and even have tongues dung, so don’t clean up all the messes of different lengths. Native bees in your garden! By providing a safe visit the widest range of fl owers and place to eat and nest, gardeners can crops of any pollinator group. also support the pollination role that butterfl ies play in the landscape. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) form In the Manitoulin–Lake Simcoe small colonies, usually underground ecoregion it is common to see the making use of old rodent burrows or Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), dense thatches. They are generalists, the Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice), feeding on a wide range of plant the Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium types from May to September titus) and the Red Admiral (Vanessa and are important pollinators of atalanta). Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz tomatoes and blueberries.

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths Moths are most easily distinguished that visit many plant species. Like long tongues of nectar bats allows from butterfl ies by their antennae. bees, fl ies are hairy and can easily them to delve into fl ower blossoms Butterfl y antennae are simple with a transport pollen from fl ower to and extract both pollen and nectar; swelling at the end. Moth antennae fl ower. Flies primarily pollinate pollen covers their hairy bodies and differ from simple to featherlike, small fl owers that bloom under is transfer as they move from plant but never have a swelling at the tip. shade and in seasonally moist to plant. Butterfl y bodies are not very hairy, habitats, but are also economically while moth bodies are quite hairy important as pollinators for a range and much more stout. In addition, of annual and bulbous ornamental butterfl ies typically are active fl owers. Plants pollinated by fl ies Species at Risk during the day; moths at night. include the American pawpaw They are attracted to fl owers that (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage Species at Risk include endangered are strongly sweet smelling, open (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod species, such as the Rusty-patched in late afternoon or night, and are (Solidago spp.), and members of the bumble bee, as well as threatened typically white or pale coloured. carrot. and special concern species. Other species are of conservation concern Beetles Birds because of their rarity in Ontario There are more than 9000 species Hummingbirds are the primary and Quebec, but their formal of beetles in Canada and many of birds that play a role in pollination conservation status has yet to be them can be found easily by looking in North America. Their long beaks determined. Because habitat loss inside fl ower heads. Gardeners and tongues draw nectar from is one of the largest threats facing have yet to intentionally draw tubular fl owers. Pollen is carried pollinators, the very best thing you beetles to their gardens, possibly on both their beaks and feathers. can do is plant for them. because beetle watching isn’t Regions closer to the tropics, as inspiring as butterfl y or bird with warmer climates, boast the Rusty-patched bumble bee largest number of hummingbird watching. Yet beetles do play a role • Though once widespread in in pollination. Some have a bad species and the greatest number of native plants to support their Quebec, the only Canadian reputation because they can leave sightings of this bee since a mess behind, damaging plant need for food. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 2002 have been at The Pinery parts as they eat pollen. Beetle Provincial Park on Lake Huron. pollinated plants tend to be large, is the only common species in strong scented fl owers and have the Quebec. • Bumble bees perform a special anthers and stigma exposed. Beetles Hummingbirds can see the colour type of pollination called buzz are known to pollinate magnolia, red; bees cannot. Many tropical pollination. They grab onto the paw paws, and yellow pond lilies. fl owers, grown as annuals in the fl ower and rapidly vibrate their Lake Erie Lowlands, along with fl ight muscles, dislodging pollen. Flies native woodland edge plants, attract Some plants, such as tomatoes, It may be hard to imagine why hummingbirds. peppers, and cranberries greatly one would want to attract fl ies benefi t from buzz pollination. to the garden. However, fl ies are Bats • While the exact cause of their one of the most diverse group Though bat species in Canada are of pollinators. They include not pollinators, bats in the south steep decline are unknown, colouful fl ower fl ies and hover western United States and Mexico threats to Rusty-patched bumble fl ies (Syrphidae), active bee fl ies are important pollinators of agave bee populations include: pesticide (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges and cactus. The head shape and use, habitat loss, and disease.

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

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 Trait Bees Beetles Birds Butterfl ies Flies Moths Wind

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Lawrence Lowlands 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

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

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Apples, melons, raspberries, targeted ingredients. and fi eld borders throughout the strawberries, peas, pumpkins, and • Be conscientious of the fact that farm. tomatoes are a few of the food crops different bees forage at different • Plant unused areas of the farm in the St. Lawrence Lowlands that times of day. Peponapsis pruinosa, the with temporary cover crops that will benefi t from strong native bee squash bee, is active from dawn can provide food or with a variety populations that boost pollination until noon. In the case of squash of trees, shrubs, and fl owers that effi ciency. Incorporate different production, the best time to spray is provide both food and shelter for plants throughout the farm that in the evening rather than the early pollinators. provide food for native populations morning. • Check with local not-for-profi t when targeted crops are not in • Carefully consider the use of organizations, local Conservation fl ower. herbicides. Some weeds can provide Authority or Ministry of Natural needed food for pollinators. Resources and Forestry offi ces to Farmers have many opportunities • Minimize tillage to protect ground see what technical support might be to incorporate pollinator-friendly nesting pollinators. available to assist you in your effort land management practices on their • Consider creating designated to provide nectar, pollen, and larval land which will benefi t the farmer permanently untilled areas for food sources for pollinators on your in achieving his or her production ground nesting bees along internal farm. goals: farm laneways. • Minimize the use of pesticides • Ensure water sources are scattered to reduce the impact on native throughout the landscape. pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t • Choose a variety of native plants to active (just before dawn) and choose act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

St. Lawrence Lowlands 13 Public Lands

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

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 element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of 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 garden club or local Conservation that specialized cultivars sometimes Authority. Visit your regional aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers botanic gardens and arboreta. that have been drastically altered, such as cultivars with double petals or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent pollinators from 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 garden club can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

St. Lawrence Lowlands 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE St. Lawrence Lowlands 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 Botanical Name Common Height Colour Flower Sun Soil Pollinators host for Name Season butterfl ies Trees and Shrubs red, greenish, Acer saccharum Sugar maple 12-20m March-April sun to shade dry bees, fl ies X yellow 2.5- partial shade to Amorpha fruticosa False indigo purple May - June wet to moist bees, fl ies 3.5m shade butterfl ies, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry < 1m white, pink March - June sun to shade dry X hummingbirds Black sun to partial Aronia melanocarpa 2 m white May - June dry to moist bees, beetles, fl ies X chokeberry sun July - dry, well Artemisia campestris Field sagewort 0.3-1m green/brown sun bees X September drained sun to partial bees, fl ies, beetles, Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea 0.5-1m white June - August dry X sun butterfl ies Chamaedaphne 0.3- Leatherleaf white/cream March - June sun moist to wet bees, fl ies calyculata 1.2m Bunchberry 0.05- white/cream, May - sun to partial moist, well bees, fl ies, beetles, Cornus canadensis X dogwood 0.2m green/brown September shade drained butterfl ies Redosier sun to partial moist to wet, Cornus stolonifera 1.5-4m white/cream May - June butterfl ies, bees X dogwood shade well drained Northern bush- up to Diervilla lonicera yellow June - July sun to shade dry to moist bees, moths X honeysuckle 1m American 0.1-0.3 yellow, green/ partial shade to Fagus grandifolia April - May moist butterfl ies X beech m brown shade purple, green/ sun to partial dry to wet, well Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash 0.2 m April - May butterfl ies X brown shade drained Eastern witch- 3.5- September - Hamamelis virginiana yellow-orange sun to shade moist moths, beetles X hazel 4.5m November Hudsonia tomentosa Sand Heather 0.5m yellow May - July sun well drained bees, fl ies, wasps up to white, yellow, sun to partial Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar April - June well drained bees, fl ies 18m green shade dry to moist, Prunus pensylvanica Pin cherry 7.5-12m white May - June sun bees X well drained Prunus serotina Black cherry 18-27m white April - May shade to sun moist bees, fl ies, wasps X Aromatic sun to partial dry to moist, Rhus aromatica 1.2-2m yellow green April - May fl ies, bees X sumac shade well drained greeenish white, moist to dry, Ribes triste (Ribes spp.) Red currant 1-3m March - June sun to shade fl ie, beetles, bees white, pink, red well drained Dwarf red 0.1- white/cream, dry to wet, well Rubus pubescens May - July sun to shade butterfl ies, bees blackberry 0.4m pink drained Russet yellow, green/ sun to partial dry to moist, Shepherdia canadensis 1-3m April - May bees buffaloberry brown shade well drained Showy partial shade to bees, butterfl ies, Sorbus decora 5-10m white/cream June - July moist mountain ash shade fl ies

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also a Botanical Name Common Height Colour Flower Sun Soil Pollinators host for Name Season butterfl ies Forbs partial shade to Actaea rubra Red baneberry <1m white/cream May - July moist bees, fl ies shade Pearly July - Anaphalis margaritacea <1m white/cream sun dry butterfl ies, bees X everlasting September Andromeda glaucophylla Bog rosemary <1m white, pink May - June partial shade wet bees, fl ies Apocynum Spreading white/cream, sun, partial dry, well 0.3-2m June - August butterfl ies, bees X androsaemifolium dogbane pink shade drained 0.1- sun to partial Arenaria stricta Rock sandwort white May - July dry bees, fl ies 0.2m shade Swamp 1.2- sun to part fl ies, butterfl ies, Asclepias incarnata pink to reddish June - October moist X milkweed 1.5m shade hummingbirds bees, butterfl ies, Asclepias tuberosa Butterfl y weed <1m orange to yellow May - August sun moist to dry X fl ies Common 0.5- moist, well Asclepias syriaca purple, pink June - August sun butterfl ies X milkweed 1.5m drained Aster umbellatus Flat-topped August - moist to wet, 0.6-2m white/cream sun butterfl ies, bees X (Doellingeria umbellata) white aster September well drained partial shade moist, well hummingbirds, Aquilegia canadensis Red columbine 0.3-1m red with yellow April - July X to sun drained bees, moths 0.4- sun to partial Caltha palustris Marsh marigold yellow April - June moist to wet butterfl ies 0.6m shade Bluebell 0.2- June - sun to partial dry, well Campanula rotundifolia blue, purple hummingbirds bellfl ower 0.5m September shade drained 0.6- July - dry to moist, hummingbirds, Chamerion angustifolium Fireweed purple, pink sun X 1.8m September well drained butterfl ies, bees Rocky 0.3- white/cream, June - Cleome serrulata mountain sun dry bees 0.8m pink September beeplant 0.1- yellow, green/ Clintonia borealis Blue-bead lily May - June shade moist bees 0.4m brown 0.1- partial shade to Coptis groenlandica Goldthread white/cream May - August moist bees, fl ies 0.2m shade 0.1- yellow, purple, May - Corydalis sempervirens Pale corydalis partial shade dry bees, butterfl ies 0.6m pink September Cypripedium parvifl orum Large yellow 0.5 m yellow, brown April - August shade to sun moist to dry bees, fl ies, beetles var. pubescens ladyslipper 0.1- white/cream, Epigaea repens Trailing arbutus May-June partial shade well drained butterfl ies X 0.15m pink Eastern daisy 0.3- sun to partial dry, well Erigeron annuus white/cream May - October butterfl ies, bees fl eabane 1.2m shade drained 0.6- sun to partial moist to wet, Eupatorium maculatum Joe-pye weed purple, pink July-September butterfl ies, bees 1.8m shade well drained July - sun to partial bees, wasps, fl ies, Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed 1-1.5m yellow, brown moist to wet X September shade butterfl ies dry to Heliopsis helianthoides False sunfl ower 1m yellow July - October sun moderately bees, butterfl ies moist

continued on page 18

St. Lawrence Lowlands 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE St. Lawrence Lowlands

Also a Botanical Name Common Height Colour Flower Sun Soil Pollinators host for Name Season butterfl ies up to Impatiens pallida Jewelweed white to yellow June - October shade moist bees 2m Northern blue 0.6- sun to partial hummingbirds, Iris versicolor blue, purple May - August moist to wet fl a g 0.9m shade bees blue, yellow, sun to partial Iris virginica var. shrevei Shreve’s iris 0.5-1m May - July wet to moist bees white shade 0.3- red, white/cream, sun to partial dry to wet, well Kalmia angustifolia Sheep laurel May - August butterfl ies, bees X 0.9m pink shade drained 0.1- white/cream, sun to partial Kalmia polifolia Bog laurel June - August wet bees 0.9m pink shade 0.5- Ledum groenlandicum Labrador tea white/cream April - June sun to shade moist to wet butterfl ies, bees X 1.5m up to sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Liatris spicata Blazing star pinkish purple June - July moist to wet X 1.5m sun hummingbirds August - sun to partial bees, Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal fl ower 1-1.5m red moist to wet October shade hummingbirds Canada 0.05- partial shade to moist, well Maianthemum canadense white/cream May - June bees, fl ies Mayapple 0.25m shade drained bees, butterfl ies, Virginia up to partial sun to Mertensia virginica light blue May - July moist moths, X bluebells 0.5m shade hummingbirds Naked 0.1- Mitella nuda white, green May - August shade moist fl ies mitrewort 0.2m July - sun to partial hummingbirds, Monarda didyma Beebalm 1-2m scarlet red moist to wet X September shade butterfl ies, bees butterfl ies, lavendar pink to July - sun to partial Monarda fi stulosa Wild bergamot 1m moist hummingbirds, X violet blue September sun bees, wasps, One-fl owered sun to partial Moneses unifl ora 0.1 m white/cream June - July dry bees pyrola shade 0.1-0.2 June - deciduous moist, well Monotropa unifl ora Indianpipe white/cream bees m September shade drained Prairie up to July - dry to well bees, fl ies, Oligoneuron album white sun goldenrod 1m September drained butterfl ies Hairy pink to violet sun to partial Penstemon hirsutus <1m June - July moist to dry bees X beardtongue blue sun Northern green 0.05- white, yellow, Platanthera aquilonis May - August shade to sun wet fl ies, beetles orchid 0.6m green moist to well Podophyllum peltatum Mayapple <1m white March - May shade bees, beetles drained White 0.1- white/cream, Saxifraga aizoon mountain May - June sun dry fl ies, bees, moths 0.2m pink saxifrage 0.1- dry to wet, well Sisyrinchium montanum Blue-eyed grass blue, purple May - July sun to shade bees 0.5m drained

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also a Botanical Name Common Height Colour Flower Sun Soil Pollinators host for Name Season butterfl ies Canada 0.3- sun to partial dry, well Solidago canadensis yellow, orange July - October butterfl ies, bees goldenrod 1.2m shade drained Rough- 0.3- sun to partial Solidago rugosa stemmed yellow July - October moist to wet butterfl ies, bees 1.8m shade goldenrod Symphyotrichum novae- New England up to September - sun to partial moist, well- bees, butterfl ies, purple angliae aster 1m October shade drained fl ies Symphyotrichum Purplestem August - moist to wet, 0.60-2m blue, purple sun butterfl ies, bees X puniceum aster September well drained Eastern skunk- up to Symplocarpus foetidus dark maroon April - May sun to shade wet to fl ooded beetles, fl ies cabbage 1m Horned 0.05- sun to partial Taraxacum ceratophorum yellow March - April well drained bees dandelion 0.5m shade Tall meadow- Thalictrum pubescens 0.6-3m white/cream June - August partial shade moist butterfl ies, bees rue Tiarella cordifolia Foamfl ower <1m white April - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies, moths Golden up to sun to partial Zizia aurea yellow May - July moist to wet fl ies, bees X Alexanders 1m sun Vines American yellow, green/ sun to partial dry to moist, Celastrus scandens 2-7m May - June bees bittersweet brown shade well drained sun to partial Clematis virginiana Virgin’s bower 3m+ white July - August moist fl ies, bees sun Parthenocissus Virginia creeper 15m+ greenish white May - June sun to shade dry to moist bees, fl ies X quinquefolia yellow, white/ Riverbank Vitis riparia 1-10m cream, green/ May - July sun to shade dry to moist bees grape brown Shelter Plants August - sun to partial Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem 1-3.5m yellow to brown moist November shade 0.4- May - sun to partial Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed yellow dry 0.9m November shade up to yellow, green, sun to partial Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye March - June moist 1m brown shade purple, greenish July - dry to moist, Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 0.4-2m sun X brown, pink September well drained yellow, green, June - sun to partial Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem <1m dry brown December shade July - sun to partial Scirpus cyperinus Woolgrass 1-1.3m greenish brown wet X September shade Festuca subverticillata Nodding fescue 0.6m yellow April - May partial shade dry X

St. Lawrence Lowlands 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE St. Lawrence Lowlands

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

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. 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 200 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 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.

St. Lawrence Lowlands 21 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. n Provide safe access to clean water.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area.

Ecoregion profi le Native Plants

St. Lawrence Lowlands Montreal Botanical Garden http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/v-g/nation/nation76.aspx http://espacepourlavie.ca

Environment Canada Ecozones Program - St. Lawrence Lowlands Ontario Wildfl owers http://ecozones.ca/english/region/132 www.ontariowildfl owers.com

Government of Ontario – Species at Risk Fletcher Wildlife Garden https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk www.ofnc.ca/fl etcher/

Roger Van den Hende Garden Pollination/Pollinators http://www.jardin.ulaval.ca/en/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Feedback

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

North American Butterfl y Association n Is there any information you www.naba.org feel is missing from the guide? Canadian Honey Council n www.honeycouncil.ca Any other comments?

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

St. Lawrence Lowlands 23 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik Amber Barnes

Editorial: Amber Barnes, Victoria Wojcik

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

Photo Contributors: Lara Roketenetz, Tim Dunne, Balalaika

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 24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators