Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe
Coniferous Forest
Alpine Meadow
Province
Including Parts of
Idaho, Montana and NAPPC Washington Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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
This is one of several guides for Habitat Hints 20 different regions in the United States. We welcome your feedback Check list 22 to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at feedback@pollinator.org Resources and Feedback 23
Cover: Black Swallowtail butterfly courtesy Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland
2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators
A Regional Guide for
Farmers, Land Managers,
and Gardeners
In the
Ecological Region of the
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe
Coniferous Forest
Alpine Meadow Province
Including Parts of
Idaho, Montana, 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).
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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, pumpkins, cucumbers, and apples are some of the crops raised in the Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately are a critical $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.
Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated link in our food bee populations are declining. They are threatened by 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 provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder, The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us Pollinator partnership understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.
It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world.
Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active 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 created as a management tool produced by abrupt elevation in a series of plant selection tools and is used to predict responses gradients and climatic effects designed to provide information to land management practices of relief. Grasses of the lower on how individuals can influence throughout large areas. This guide montane belt yield to western red pollinator populations through addresses pollinator-friendly cedar, hemlock, pine, larch and fir. choices they make when they farm land management practices in Mountain hemlock, Englemann a plot of ground, manage large what is known as the Northern spruce and subalpine fir form a tracts of public land, or plant a Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe, majority of the subalpine belt, and garden. Each of us can have a Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow trees are absent from the alpine belt. positive impact by providing the Province. Long before there were homes essential habitat requirements for Portions of three states comprise and farms in this area, the original, pollinators including food, water, this 38,100 square mile province natural vegetation provided shelter, and enough space to allow of steep, rugged, and glaciated continuous cover and adjacent pollinators to raise their young. mountains rising up to 10,000 feet feeding opportunities for wildlife, Pollinators travel through the with a local relief of more than including pollinators. In choosing landscape without regard to 3,000 feet. The climate varies from plants, aim to create habitat for property ownership or state the moderate maritime influenced pollinators that allow adequate food boundaries. We’ve chosen to use west to a harsher, more continental shelter, and water sources. Most R.G. Bailey’s classification system east. Winters tend to be severe pollinators have very small home to identify the geographic focus while summers offer hot days and ranges. You can make a difference of this guide and to underscore cool nights. Annual temperature by understanding the vegetation the connections between climate ranges from below 32°F to 65°F. patterns of the farm, forest, or and vegetation types that affect Average annual rainfall varies from neighbor’s yard adjacent to you the diversity of pollinators in the 20 to 40 inches with over 80 inches and by making planting choices environment. falling as snow at higher elevations. that support the pollinators’ need Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United This province is characterized by for food and shelter as they move States, developed by the United distinct vertical zones of mixed through the landscape. States Forest Service, is a system evergreen–deciduous forests
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 5 Understanding the Northern Rocky Mountain Forest – Steppe
n This region is designated number M333 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 38,100 square miles within three states.
n Primarily forested and mountainous.
n Elevations ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 feet.
n Average annual temperature range from below 32°F to 65°F.
n Average year-round precipitation between 20-40 inches.
n USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-6a.
Characteristics
n Dominated by dramatic vertical zonation with mixed evergreen–coniferous forests.
n Common tree species include western larch (tamarack), western white pine, grand fir, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce, western red cedar, and western hemlock.
n Logging and agroforestry could theoretically be balanced by silviculture but the threat of altered species compositions continues to affect loss of connectivity among habitat blocks.
6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Northern Rocky Mountain “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Forest–Steppe, Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province to improve pollinator habitat makes includes parts of: sense in advancing our family farm’s Idaho, Montana, Washington conservation and economic objectives,
enhancing beneficial wildlife and
improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”
--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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 Northern (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe. A that they find in stems and dead wide range of crops including alfalfa, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) pumpkins, cucumbers, and apples are also solitary ground nesters. 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 some been the workhorses of agricultural time. These insects tend to be eye- Bumble bee on flower. pollination for years in the United catching, as are the flowers that States. They were imported from 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, Female Calliope Hummingbird native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas hovering & feeding on Bee-Balm in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where flowers. while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed 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 endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that 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 Northern Rocky Mountain colonies.
8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Forest–Steppe are Western black as butterfly or bird watching. Yet goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and Swallowtail, Northern Checkerspot, beetles do play a role in pollination. members of the carrot family like Clouded Sulphur, Vidler’s Alpine, Some have a bad reputation because Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). and Jutta Arctic butterflies. They they can leave a mess behind, usually look for flowers that provide damaging plant parts that they eat. a good landing platform. Beetles are not as efficient as some Bir ds pollinators. They wander between Hummingbirds are the primary Wet mud areas provide butterflies different species, often dropping birds which play a role in pollination with both the moisture and pollen as they go. in North America. Their long beaks minerals they need to stay healthy. and tongues draw nectar from Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be tubular flowers. Pollen is carried dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with on both the beaks and feathers messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They of different hummingbirds. The are known to pollinate Magnolia, regions closer to the tropics, with sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw warmer climates, boast the largest Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. number of hummingbird species Moths are most easily distinguished and the greatest number of native from butterflies by their antennae. plants to support the bird’s need for Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies food. White-winged doves (Zenaida swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one asiatica) are also pollinators of the differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia gigantea) in but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the the south central United 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. Bitterroot flowers, Moths, generally less colorful grown as annuals in the Northern than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe, in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers attract the Calliope hummingbird. to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status Bats pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study Though bats in the Northern Rocky states that flies are economically Mountain Forest–Steppe are not important as pollinators for a range pollinators, bats play an important Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental role in pollination in the other Over 30,000 species of beetles are flowers. regions of the southwest where they found in the United States and Plants pollinated by the fly feed on agave and cactus. The long- many of them can be found on include the American pawpaw nosed bats’ head shape and long flower heads. Gardeners have yet (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum tongue allows it to delve into flower to intentionally draw beetles to their (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk blossoms and extract both pollen gardens, possibly because beetle cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and nectar. watching isn’t as inspiring
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind D o th e Trait Pollinators pr e f e r ? Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Not all pollinators are found Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white and some are more important patches or reduced in different parts of the United States. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent pollinators where you live. guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes effective for that group of plants. Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a pollination syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Flower Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and pollinator find necessary pollen and shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another.
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind
Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent blue, or UV or white patches or reduced
Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides
Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night
Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None Nectar hidden hidden hidden hidden not hidden
Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited Pollen smooth, and not sticky and scented
Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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
Alfalfa, pumpkins, cucumbers and herbicides. Perhaps the targeted apples are a few of the food crops weeds can provide needed food for “ food supplies for in the Northern Rocky Mountain pollinators. Forest–Steppe Province that will • Minimize tillage to protect ground benefit from strong native bee nesting pollinators. populations that boost pollination • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical efficiency. Incorporate different throughout the landscape. plants throughout the farm that • Choose a variety of native plants to provide food for native populations act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, to maintaining when targeted crops are not in and field borders throughout the flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm strong hives Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service pollination to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to the following targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. winter .” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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 Northern Rocky Mountain knowledgeable of local pollinators. Forest–Steppe, forests have been cut • Provide connectivity between fl owering for timber, livestock grazing, and to vegetation areas by creating allow for transportation corridors. corridors of perennials, shrubs, and Less disturbed natural areas can be trees that provide pollinators shelter plants. Insect augmented with plantings of native and food as they move through the plant species. Existing plantings landscape. monitoring around buildings and parking areas • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas should be evaluated to determine that support recreational needs. provides a key if pollinator-friendly plants can • Restrict the use of pesticides and be substituted or added to attract herbicides. and support pollinators. Public • Provide water sources in large measure of our land managers have a unique open areas. opportunity to use their plantings • Maintain natural meadows and success.” as an education tool to help others openings that provide habitats for understand the importance of sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. -- Logan Lee pollinators in the environment • Remove invasive species and Prairie Supervisor, Midewin through signs, brochures, and public encroaching shrubs and trees. National Tallgrass Prairie programs.
14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes
Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “ A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and property provides an essential on web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose home. pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you that specialized cultivars sometimes -- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than garden club of America the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some altered plants don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.
• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate the source of your plant material. You want to ensure you get plants that are healthy and correctly identified. Your local native plant society can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”
Common Botanical Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Name Trees & Shrubs Arctostaphylos white- white- kinnikinnick white-pink uva-ursi pink pink bunchberry white- white- white- Cornus canadensis dogwood yellow yellow yellow
Crataegus douglasii black hawthorn white white
Kalmia microphylla alpine laurel pink pink pink pink
Philadelphus lewisii syringa white white white white
Physocarpus mallow ninebark white white white malvaceus
Ribes cereum wax current pink pink pink
Symphoricarpos western white- white-pink white-pink occidentalis snowberry pink Vaccinium oval-leaf pinkish pinkish pinkish ovalifolium blueberry white white white Vaccinium grouse pinkish pinkish scoparium whortleberry white white creamy creamy creamy Viburnum edule squashberry white white white Perennial Flowers Antennaria raceme white white white racemosa pussytoes Apocynum indianhemp white white cannabinum western Aquilegia formosa red red red white columbine
Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow yellow red
Artemisia western yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow ludoviciana mugwort white, blue, white, blue, Aster spp. asters purple purple Dodecatheon sierra shooting pink pink pink pink pink jeffreyi star
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Botanical Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Name mountain white to white to white to Iliamna rivularis hollyhock pink pink pink rocky mountain Iris missouriensis blue blue blue iris Ligusticum Idaho licorice- white white white tenuifolium root
Linnea borealis twinflower pink pink pink pink
blue to blue to blue to Lupinus argenteus silver lupine white white white Maianthemum starry false lilly white white stellatum mountain blue to Mertensia ciliata blue to pink blue to pink bluebells pink Monardella mountain pink pink pink odoratissima pennyroyal
Penstemon deustus rock penstemon white white white
Penstemon showy blue blue blue payettensis penstemon Rydberg’s Penstemon rydbergii blue blue blue penstemon Petrophyton pink, pink, rock spiraea pink, white pink, white pink,white caespitosum white white blue- blue- Phacelia sericea silky phacelia blue-purple blue-purple purple purple waxflower greenish greenish greenish Pyrola picta shinleaf white white white
Trillium ovatum pacific trillium white white
Viola canadensis Canadian violet white white white
Xerophyllum tenax beargrass white white white
Vines Clematis western white white white white ligusticifolia clematis orange orange- Lonicera ciliosa orange-red orange-red honeysuckle red
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators F OR TH E Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.
Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator Trees & Shrubs Arctostaphylos moist to dry, well kinnikinnick white-pink 3-6” April-June partial shade bees, insects uva-ursi drained Cornus bunchberry moist, well white - yellow 6” April-June shade bees, insects canadensis dogwood drained Crataegus sun, partial butterflies, bees, black hawthorn white 12-15’ May-June dry, well drained douglasii shade moths Kalmia alpine laurel pink 2-7” June-Sept. sun wet to moist bees microphylla Philadelphus moist, well butterflies, bees, syringa white 5-8’ April-July partial shade lewisii drained beetles Physocarpus sun to partial moist, well bees, butterflies, mallow ninebark white 20-36” June-July malvaceus shade drained flies moist to dry, well bees, butterflies, Ribes cereum wax currant pink 3-5’ April-June sun to shade drained flies Symphoricarpos moist, well butterflies, bees, western snowberry white -pink 3-4’ June-Aug partial shade occidentalis drained hummingbirds Vaccinium sun to partial moist, well oval-leaf blueberry pinkish-white 6-8’ May-July bees ovalifolium shade drained Vaccinium grouse sun to partial moist to dry, well pinkish-white 6-8” June-July bees scoparium whortleberry shade drained sun, partial rocky,moist well Viburnum edule squashberry creamy white 8-10’ June-Aug insects shade drained Perennial Flowers Antennaria sun to partial moist, well flies, beetles, raceme pussytoes white 4-20” May-July racemosa shade drained bees Apocynum moist-dry, well indianhemp white 4-5’ June-Sept. sun butterflies, bees cannabinum drained Aquilegia western columbine red 1-3’ June-August sun - shade moist, rich soils hummingbirds formosa butterflies, Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica yellow 12-18” June-July sun dry, well drained beetles, insects Artemisia butterflies, western mugwort yellow 12-36” June-Oct. sun dry, well drained ludoviciana beetles, insects white to butterflies, bees, Aster spp. asters 6-20” July-Sept. sun wet to dry purple beetles Dodecatheon sun to partial sierra shooting star pink 8-24” April-August wet to moist bees jeffreyi shade mountain sun to partial bees, beetles, Iliamna rivularis white to pink 2-6’ June-August moist, rich soils hollyhock shade butterflies
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Color Height Sun Soil Name Name Season Pollinator
Iris missouriensis rocky mountain iris blue 10-26” May-July sun moist bees
Ligusticum sun to partial moist, well Idaho licorice-root white 20-40” June-August bees, insects tenuifolium shade drained
Linnea borealis twinflower pink 2-6” June-Sept. shade moist, rich soils bees, wasps
Lupinus silver lupine blue to white 8-24” May-July sun dry, well drained bees, insects argenteus moist to dry, Maianthemum starry false lily white 12-24” May-June shade rocky well- bees, beetles stellatum drained moist, well Mertensia ciliata mountain bluebells blue to pink 0.5-4’ June-Aug partial shade bees, drained Monardella mountain sun to partial dry, rocky, well bees, butterflies, pink 6-18” Jujne-Aug odoratissima pennyroyal shade drained insects Penstemon dry, rocky, well rock penstemon white 14-18” May-July sun bees deustus drained hummingbirds, Penstemon showy penstemon blue 16-30” May-July sun dry, well drained butterflies, payettensis insects hummingbirds, Penstemon Rydberg’s blue 8-28” May-July sun dry, well drained butterflies, rydbergii penstemon insects Petrophyton bees, beetles, rock spiraea pink, white 1-3” May-Sept. sun dry, well drained caespitosum flies dry, rocky, well Phacela sericea silky phacelia blue-purple 6-16” May-August sun bees drained greenish partial shade Pyrola picta waxflower shinleaf 4-8” June-August dry, well drained bees white to shade Tellima fringecups white 14-34” May-June shade moist, rich soils beetles grandiflora partial shade Trillium ovatum pacific trillium white 6-18” April-May moist, rich soils bees, beetles to shade partial shade Viola canadensis Canadian violet white 6-10” May-July moist, rich soils bees to shade Xerophyllum beargrass white 12-60” June-August sun dry, well drained moths tenax Vines Clematis western white partial shade bees, beetles, white 30-40’ May-August moist, rich soils ligusticifolia clematis to shade flies orange partial shade Lonicera ciliosa orange-red 5-20” May-July moist to dry soils hummingbirds honeysuckle to shade
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–STeppe
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced FLOWERS Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x
20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:
Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light 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 TALLGRASS generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. PRAIRIE
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–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 Committee on the Status of were consulted to gather information Pollinators in North America. 2007. Butterflies and Moths for this guide. Use this list as a Status of Pollinators in North America Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about The National Academies Press: Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, pollinators and plants in your area. Washington, DC. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, Native Plants MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Information Node. Plant Conservation Alliance www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service www.nps.gov/plants (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ Seeds of Success ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html www.nps.gov/plants/sos Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Pollination/Pollinators www.wildflower.org/plants/ 2003. Butterflies of North America. Houghton Mifflin. New York, NY. USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pollinator Partnership www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association U.S. National Arboretum Coevolution Institute www.naba.org www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ www.coevolution.org ushzmap.html Natural Resources USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Conservation Service Database Feedback www.nrcs.usda.gov www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 North American Pollinator National Plant Data Center, We need your help to create better Protection Campaign Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA guides for other parts of North www.nappc.org America. Please e-mail your input USDA Forest Service Native Bees to [email protected] www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ or fax to 415-362-3070. Wild Farm Alliance National Sustainable Information n www.wildfarmalliance.org Service How will you use this guide? “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” Xerces Society Pollinator Program by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture n Do you find the directions www.xerces.org Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA clear? If not, please tell us Shepherd, MD, S. Buchmann, Publication #IP126 what is unclear. M. Vaughan, and S. Black. www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ 2003. Pollinator Conservation nativebee.html n Is there any information you Handbook. Xerces Society for feel is missing from the guide? Invertebrate Conservation. Portland, OR. Agriculture Research Service Plants Attractive to Native Bees table n Any other comments? Illinois Natural History Survey www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. www.inhs.uiuc.edu htm?docid=12052 Thank you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Christopher O’Toole and Anthony for taking 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Raw. 1999. Bees of the World. the time to help! Island Press: Washington, DC. Blandford. London, UK.
Northern Rocky Mountain Forest–Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz
Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
Production Supervision: Gil Soltz
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Plant Conservation Alliance Concept review: American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette, Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers
Photo Contributor: Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland, http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/
Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert
For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinator.org The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign 423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137 24 www.pollinator.org d www.nappc.org Selecting Plants for Pollinators