Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Lake Erie Lowlands

The

Greater Toronto Area,

the Golden Horseshoe,

Sarnia, London, WINDSOR and NIAGARA REGION and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS Selecting Plants for Pollinators

Why Support Pollinators? 4 A Regional Guide for

Getting Started 5 Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners Lake Erie Lowlands 6 In the Meet the Pollinators 8 Lake Erie Lowlands

Plant Traits 10 The Greater Toronto Area,

Developing Plantings 12 The Golden Horseshoe, Farms 13

Sarnia, London, WINDSOR Public Lands 14

and NIAGARA REGION Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat hints 20

Habitat and Nesting requirements 21 A NAPPC AND Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

Checklist 22

Resources and Feedback 23 This is one of several guides for different regions of North America. This guide was funded by the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership - Canada We welcome your feedback to assist (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org). us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 3 Why support pollinators? Getting Started

IN THEIR 1996 BOOK, THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Flowering plants 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 with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the across wild, intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife urban landscapes food sources increase.

Alfalfa, clover, apples, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, cucumbers, pears, actually feed the pumpkins, soybeans, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons are some of the crops raised in the Lake Erie Lowlands that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate more than $1 billion terrestrial world, worth of crops in Canada each year. environment. of soil types in both sunny and and pollinators THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS just one Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated in a series of plant selection tools The Canadian ecoregions are shady areas. With this diversity of bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, designed to provide information based on the National Ecological locations many different species disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of Framework Report. The National of plants may be used to improve are the great on how individuals can infl uence commercial bees during the winter has highlighted how severe the issues of pollinator populations through Ecological Framework for Canada pollinator habitats. proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused by disease, pesticide choices they make when they farm is a system created as a management tool and is used to predict responses Long before there were homes use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices. Currently, the connectors who a plot of ground, manage large pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are tracts of public land, or plant a to land management practices and farms in this area, natural receiving much needed research and conservation resources. The efforts to garden. Each of us can have a throughout large areas. This guide vegetation provided essential addresses pollinator-friendly land opportunities for wildlife, including understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other enable this giant positive impact by providing the pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. essential habitat requirements for management practices in what is pollinators. In choosing plants, aim pollinators including food, water, known as the Lake Erie Lowlands. to create habitat for pollinators that allow adequate food, shelter, and It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations food system to shelter, and enough space to raise thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need their young. The seasonal cycle of sun and shade water sources. Most pollinators for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the within the forests has created a have very small home ranges. natural world. Pollinators travel through the changing pattern of bloom time for You will make a difference by work for all who landscape without regard to food plants and shelter needs for understanding the vegetation Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your property ownership or provincial foraging, nesting, and migrating patterns on the farm, forest, or landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their boundaries. We’ve chosen to use pollinators. neighbour’s yard adjacent to your active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you eat... Including us.” the ecoregional classifi cation system property. With this information in can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them. to identify the geographic focus Farmers, land managers, and hand, your planting choices will of this guide and to underscore gardeners in this region have a better support the pollinators’ need the connections between climate wide palette of plants to use in the for food and shelter as they move – Roger Lang, Chairman, Laurie Davies Adams and vegetation types that affect landscape. Farms and residential through the landscape. Executive Director Pollinator Partnership the diversity of pollinators in the areas provide a diverse range Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 5 Understanding the Lake Erie Lowlands

n The Lake Erie Lowlands ecoregion is part of the larger Mixed Wood Plains ecozone which includes the following ecoregions; St. Lawrence Lowlands, Frontenac Axis, and Manitoulin Lake-Simcoe.

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

n 24,000 square kilometres with Ontario.

n The topography is mostly Niagra Escarpment.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 228 metres.

n The mean summer temperature is 18°C and the mean winter temperature is -2.5°C.

n Average year round precipitation is between 750-900 mm.

n Rich and diverse fertile soils throughout with numerous glacial deposits. Lake Erie Lowlands includes: The Greater Toronto Area The Golden Horseshoe Characteristics Windsor London Sarnia n Part of the most fl oralistically diverse ecozone in Canada with Niagara Region mixed and deciduous forests.

n Herbaceous layer of woodland forbs that bloom from spring into fall.

n Dissected by population centres, farms, and roads.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 7 Meet the Pollinators

Who are the nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the types possibly because beetle watching (Solidago spp.), and members of the are solitary while others form loose in the Lake Erie Lowlands are isn’t as inspiring as butterfl y or bird carrot family like Queen Anne’s pollinators? colonies. Brush-footed, Gossamer-winged, watching. Yet beetles do play a role lace (Daucus carota). Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, in pollination. Some have a bad Solitary bees include carpenter Bees White, Sulphur and Monarch reputation because they can leave a Birds bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest butterfl ies. They usually look for mess behind, damaging plant parts Bees are the best documented Hummingbirds are the primary in wood; (Andrena spp.), which fl owers that provide a good landing that they eat. Beetles are not as pollinators in the natural and birds which play a role in pollina– nest underground; leafcutting bees platform. effi cient as some pollinators. They agricultural landscapes of the tion in North America. Their long (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead wander between different species, Lake Erie Lowlands. A wide range Wet mud areas provide butterfl ies beaks and tongues draw nectar trees or branches for their nest sites; often dropping pollen as they go. of plants in the Aster and Rose and mason bees (Osmia spp.), which with both the moisture and from tubular fl owers. Pollen is Families, blueberry crops, and utilize cavities that they fi nd in stems minerals they need to stay healthy. Beetle pollinated plants tend to be carried on both the beaks and tomatoes are just a few plants that and dead wood. Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even large, strong scented fl owers with feathers of different hummingbirds. benefi t from bee pollinators. dung, so don’t clean up all the their sexual organs exposed. They The regions closer to the tropics, messes in your garden! are known to pollinate magnolia, Most of us are familiar with the with warmer climates, boast the Butterfl ies sweetshrub (Calycanthus spp.), paw colonies of honey bees that have largest number of hummingbird Gardeners have been attracting paws, and yellow pond lilies. been the workhorses of agricultural Moths species and the greatest number of butterfl ies to their gardens for some native plants to support the bird’s pollination for years in Canada. Moths are most easily distinguished time. These insects tend to be eye- need for food. White-winged doves They were imported from Europe from butterfl ies by their antennae. Flies catching, as are the fl owers that (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators almost 400 years ago. Butterfl y antennae are simple with a It may be hard to imagine why one attract them. Position fl owering of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne Photo courtesy of Tim There are over 800 species of native plants where they have full sun and swelling at the end. Moth antennae would want to attract fl ies to the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a gigantea) in the south central United ground and twig nesting bees in are protected from the wind. Also, differ from simple to featherlike, garden. However, like beetles, the summer species in the Lake Erie States. Canada. Most bee species live a you will need to provide open areas but never have a swelling at the number of fl y species and the fact Lowlands. solitary life while a minority of (e.g., bare earth, large stones) where tip. In addition, butterfl ies typically that fl ies are generalist pollinators Bright coloured tubular fl owers species are social and form colonies. butterfl ies may bask, and moist soil are active during the day; moths at (visit many species of plants), attract hummingbirds to gardens. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed night. Butterfl y bodies are not very should encourage us all to leave Hummingbirds can see the colour many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place hairy, while moth bodies are quite those fl ies alone and let them do red; bees cannot. Many tropical to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also hairy and more stout. their job as pollinators. fl owers, grown as annuals in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, along endeavours if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that Moths, generally less colourful Recent research indicates that fl ies with native woodland edge plants, habitat are met and if suitable butterfl ies play in the landscape. It than butterfl ies, also play a role primarily pollinate small fl owers attract hummingbirds. sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage in pollination. They are attracted that bloom under shade and in Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, to fl owers that are strongly sweet seasonally moist habitats. The varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage smelling, open in late afternoon or National Research Council’s Status Bats which fl owers they can obtain nectar of the butterfl y. night, and are typically white or of Pollinators in North America study Though bats in the Lake Erie and pollen from. A diverse group of butterfl ies pale coloured. states that fl ies are economically Lowlands are not pollinators, bats The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and important as pollinators for a range play an important role in pollination woodland edges that provide bright of annual and bulbous ornamental in the southwest where they feed small colonies, usually underground. Beetles They are generalists, feeding on fl owers, water sources, and specifi c fl owers. on agave and cactus. The long- More than 9000 species of beetles a wide range of plant material host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, Plants pollinated by the fl y nosed bats’ head shape and long are found in Canada and many of from May to September and are and herbaceous plants support include the American pawpaw tongue allows it to delve into fl ower them can be found on fl ower heads. important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfl y populations. (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage blossoms and extract both pollen Gardeners have yet to intentionally The sweat bee (family Halictidae) (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod and nectar. Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz Butterfl ies are in the Order draw beetles to their gardens,

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterfl ies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or prefer? Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colourless; yellow, red NOT ALL POLLINATORS ARE found Colour or purple green red and purple fl ecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white patches or reduced and some are more important in different parts of Canada. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and pollinators where Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent you live. guides Plants can be grouped together Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; based on the similar characteristics None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their fl owers. These fl oral Odour emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply effective for that group of plants. somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between fl oral 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 infl uenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide pollinator fi nd necessary pollen and Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one fl ower to another. 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 Lake Erie Lowland 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat Farms

WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER of pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, can move safely through the Soybean, alfalfa, blueberry, clover, targeted ingredients. act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, many hectares, land manager of a chives, parsley and lavender are landscape protected from predators. cranberry, sunfl owers, strawberry, • Be conscientious of the fact that and fi eld borders throughout the large tract of land, or a gardener just a few herbs that can be planted. • Include plants that are needed stone fruits, and tomatoes are a different bees forage at different farm. with a small lot, you can increase Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and by butterfl ies during their larval few of the food crops in the Lake times of day. Peponapsis pruinosa, the • Plant unused areas of the farm the number of pollinators in your single sunfl owers support bees and development. Erie Lowlands that will benefi t squash bee, is active from dawn with temporary cover crops that area by making conscious choices to butterfl ies. from strong native bee populations until noon. In the case of squash can provide food or with a variety include plants that provide essential • Recognize weeds that might be a Water: that boost pollination effi ciency. production, the best time to spray is of trees, shrubs, and fl owers that habitat for bees, butterfl ies, moths, good source of food. For example, A clean, reliable source of water is Incorporate different plants in the evening rather than the early provide both food and shelter for beetles, hummingbirds and other dandelions provide nectar in the essential to pollinators. throughout the farm that provide morning. pollinators. pollinators. early spring before other fl owers • Natural and human-made water food for native populations when • Carefully consider the use of • Check with your regional open. Milkweed is a host for the features such as running water, targeted crops are not in fl ower. herbicides. Perhaps the targeted conservation authority offi ce to see Food: Monarch butterfl y. pools, ponds, and small containers weeds can provide needed food for what technical support might be Flowers provide nectar (high in • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest of water provide drinking and Farmers have many opportunities pollinators. available to assist you in your effort to sugar and necessary amino acids) Management (IPM) practices to bathing opportunities for pollinators. to incorporate pollinator-friendly • Minimize tillage to protect ground provide nectar, pollen, and larval food and pollen (high in protein) to address pest concerns. Minimize or • Ensure the water sources have land management practices on their nesting pollinators. sources for pollinators on your farm. pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. a shallow or sloping side so the land which will benefi t the farmer • Consider creating designated Fermenting fallen fruits also provide pollinators can easily approach the in achieving his or her production permanently untilled areas for food for bees, beetles and butterfl ies. Shelter: water without drowning. goals: ground nesting bees along internal Specifi c plants, known as host Pollinators need protection from Your current landscape probably • Minimize the use of pesticides farm laneways. plants, are eaten by the larvae of severe weather and from predators includes many of these elements. to reduce the impact on native • Ensure water sources are scattered pollinators such as butterfl ies. as well as sites for nesting and Observe wildlife activity in your farm pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t throughout the landscape. • Plant in groups to increase roosting. fi elds, woodlands, and gardens to active (just before dawn) and choose • Choose a variety of native plants to pollination effi ciency. If a pollinator • Incorporate different canopy determine what actions you can take can visit the same type of fl ower layers in the landscape by planting to encourage other pollinators to feed over and over, it doesn’t have to trees, shrubs, and different-sized and nest. Evaluate the placement of relearn how to enter the fl ower perennial plants. individual plants and water sources and can transfer pollen to the same • Leave dead snags for nesting sites and use your knowledge of specifi c species, instead of squandering the of bees, and other dead plants and pollinator needs to guide your choice pollen on unreceptive fl owers. leaf litter for shelter. and placement of additional plants • Plant with bloom season in mind, • Avoid applying thick layers of and other habitat elements. Minor providing food from early spring to mulch that are hard to dig through. changes by many individuals can late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-19) • Build bee boxes to encourage positively impact the pollinator • Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest populations in your area. Watch support a variety of pollinators. on your property. for - and enjoy - the changes in your Flowers of different colour, • Ground nesting bees are also landscape! fragrance, and season of bloom attracted to lawns and short grass • CAUTION LAND MANAGERS: on plants of different heights will areas, especially if there is a south Remember that pesticides are attract different pollinator species facing slope. largely toxic to pollinators. and provide pollen and nectar • Leave some areas of soil uncovered Extreme caution is warranted if throughout the seasons. to provide ground nesting insects you choose to use any pesticide.

• Many herbs and annuals, although easy access to underground tunnels. Strategically apply pesticides only Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert not native, are very good for • Group plantings so that pollinators for problematic target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 13 Public Lands 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 Public lands are maintained for of pollinators the land manager can: leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that specifi c reasons ranging from high • Inventory and become • Find local resources to help you any non-native plants you choose impact recreation to conservation. knowledgeable of local pollinators. in your efforts. Contact your to use are not invasive. Remember In the Lake Erie Lowlands, forests • Provide connectivity between local local garden club or regional that specialized cultivars sometimes have been cut to allow for roads, vegetation areas by creating conservation authority. Visit your aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers buildings, open lawn areas, boat corridors of perennials, shrubs, and regional botanic gardens and that have been drastically altered, ramps, and vistas. Less disturbed trees that provide pollinators shelter arboreta. such as cultivars with double petals natural areas can be augmented with and food as they move through the or completely different colour than plantings of native plant species. landscape. the wild species, often prevent Existing plantings around buildings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas pollinators from fi nding and feeding and parking areas should be that support recreational needs. on the fl owers. In addition, some evaluated to determine if pollinator- • Restrict the use of pesticides and cultivars don’t contain the same friendly plants can be substituted herbicides. nectar and pollen resources that or added to attract and support • Provide water sources in large attract pollinators to the wild types. pollinators. Public land managers open areas. have a unique opportunity to use • Maintain natural meadows and • CAUTION: Take time to evaluate their plantings as an education openings that provide habitats for the source of your plant material. tool to help others understand sun-loving wildfl owers and grasses. You want to ensure you get plants the importance of pollinators in • Remove invasive species and that are healthy and correctly the environment through signs, encroaching shrubs and trees. identifi ed. Your local garden club brochures, and public programs. can help you make informed In an effort to increase populations decisions when searching for plants.

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lake Erie 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. Common Flower Also a Common Flower Also a Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Name Season host Name Season host raspberries, white or rose June - sun to part Rubus spp. 1-3m moist bees, fl ies Trees and Shrubs blackberries, etc. purple September shade Salix nigra black willow 3.5-15m yellow green April - June sun to shade moist to wet bees, fl ies X red, greenish, sun to partial Acer spp. maples 12-20m+ March - April dry to wet bees X common sun to partial yellow shade Sambucus canadensis 2.5-3m white June - July dry to wet bees, bettles, fl ies X elderberry sun Aesculus glabra Ohio buckeye 20-30m greenish yellow April - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies sun to partial bees, beetles, sun to partial moist, well Sambucus racemosa red elderberry 1.5-2m white May - June dry to wet X Amelanchier spp. serviceberries 2-12m white March - April bees, fl ies X shade fl ies shade drained sun to partial partial shade to Sassafras albidum sassafras 10-18m yellow green March - June dry to wet fl ies X Amorpha fruticosa false indigo 2.5-3.5m purple May - June wet to moist bees, fl ies shade shade sun to partial sun to partial bees, beetles, Symphoricarpus alba snow berry 1m+ pink June - July dry bees X Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry 2m white May - June dry to moist X sun sun fl ies sun to partial moist, well bees, fl ies, Tilia americana basswood up to 25m yellow white April - June bees, fl ies, moths X sun to partial shade drained Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea 0.5-1m white June - August dry beetles, X sun Vaccinium sun to partial dry to moist, butterfl ies cranberry less than 1m white to pink April - June bees X macrocarpon shade well drained pink to sun to partial moist, well Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 3-9m April - May bees X lavender shade drained Forbs alternateleaf bees, beetles, shade to partial Cornus alternifolia 2-5.5m white April - July sun to shade dry to wet X Actaea racemosa black cohosh 1-1.5m white June - July moist bees, fl ies X dogwood fl ies, butterfl ies sun sun to part sun to partial Crataegus spp. hawthorns 3.5-11m white May - June dry to moist butterfl ies, bees X Allium cernuum nodding onion less than 1m white to purple July - August dry to moist bees, fl ies shade shade northern bush- eastern sun to part Diervilla lonicera up to 1m yellow June - July sun to shade dry to moist bees, moths X Anemone patens 0.3-1m white March - June dry to moist bees, fl ies honeysuckle pasquefl ower shade eastern witch- September - partial shade moist, well hummingbirds, Hamamelis virginiana 3.5-4.5m yellow-orange moist sun to shade moths, beetles X Aquilegia canadensis red columbine 0.3-1m red with yellow April - July X hazel November to sun drained bees, moths northern sun to partial bees, beetles, Lindera benzoin 1.2-2m yellow green March - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies X Asclepias hirtella green milkweed 0.3-1m green June - August dry to wet X spicebush shade fl ies, butterfl ies greenish-yellow, sun to partial sun to part fl ies, butterfl ies, Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar up to 36m+ April - May moist beetles, bees Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed 1.2-1.5m pink to reddish June - October moist X orange shade shade hummingbirds sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, orange to bees, butterfl ies, Physocarpus opulifolius eastern ninebark 1-3m white May - June dry to wet X Asclepias tuberosa butterfl y weed less than 1m May - August sun moist to dry shade fl ies yellow fl ies white, yellow, sun to partial sun to partial Populus balsamifera balsam poplar up to 18m April - June well drained bees, fl ies Coreopsis spp. tickseeds up to 1m yellow May - August moist to dry bees, butterfl ies green shade sun Prunus nigra Canada plum less than 7m white March - May sun dry to drained bees pale purple sun to partial Echinacea pallida up to 1m pale purple May - July well drained butterfl ies, bees dry to moist, conefl ower shade Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry 7.5-12m white May - June sun bees X well drained eastern purple sun to part med wet, well butterfl ies, bees, Echinacea purpurea up to 1m rose, purple Jun - August Prunus serotina black cherry 18-27m white April - May shade to sun moist bees, fl ies, wasps X conefl ower shade drained beetles sun to partial May - partial sun to bees, fl ies, Prunus virginiana chokecherry 6m+ white June moist bees X Erigeron spp. daisy fl eabanes up to 1m white, yellow moist to wet X sun September sun butterfl ies, moths sun to partial dry to moist, Erythronium Rhus aromatica aromatic sumac 1.2-2m yellow green April - May fl ies, bees X yellow trout lily less than 1m yellow April - June shade moist bees shade well drained americanum sun to partial dry to moist, Eupatorium July - well drained bees, butterfl ies, Rhus typhina staghorn sumac 3-4.5m yellow, green June - August fl ies, bees X common boneset 1-1.5 m white sun sun well drained perfoliatum Septepmber to moist fl ies greeenish white, moist to dry, sweet scented pink to partial shade bees, butterfl ies, Ribes triste (Ribes spp.) red currant 1-3m March - June sun to shade fl ie, beetles, bees Eupatorium purpureum up to 2m July - August moist to wet X white, pink, red well drained joe-pyeweed lavender to sun moths moist to well sun to partial well drained Rubus idaeus red raspberry less than 3m white June - August sun to shade bees, fl ies Fragaria virginiana wild strawberry less than 1m white April - June bees, fl ies drained shade to moist sun to partial August - partial sun to Rubus occidentalis black raspberry 1-2m white March - April moist bees, fl ies Gentiana alba plain gentian up to 1m creamy white moist bees X shade October sun continued on page 18

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lake Erie Lowlands

Common Flower Also a Common Flower Also a Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Name Season host Name Season host July - sun to partial bees, wasps, fl ies, September - sand, loam, bees, beetles, Helenium autumnale sneezeweed 1-1.5m yellow, brown moist to wet X Solidago nemoralis grey goldenrod less than 1m yellow sun September shade butterfl ies October clay, caliche butterfl ies bees, bee fl ies, bees, butterfl ies, July - sun to partial Solidago speciosa showy goldenrod up to 2m yellow June - October sun to shade moist to dry Helianthus hirsutus hairy sunfl ower 1-1.5m yellow moist to wet wasps, beetles, X beetles, wasps September sun butterfl ies Symphyotrichum bees, butterfl ies, heart-leaf aster 1-2m white to purple June - August sun moist dry to cordifolium fl ies Heliopsis helianthoides false sunfl ower 1m yellow July - October sun moderately bees, butterfl ies Symphyotrichum August - sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, moist heath aster 1m white moist to wet X ericoides October sun beetles, wasps sun to partial Heuchera americana alumroot less than 1m yellow, green May - July moist to dry bees, moths Symphyotrichum August - sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, shade lance-leaf aster up to 1m white moist lanceolatum October sun fl ies Impatiens pallida jewelweed 1 up to 2m white to yellow June - October shade moist bees Symphyotrichum September - sun to partial dry to well bees, butterfl ies, azure aster up to 1m blue to purple blue, yellow, sun to partial oolentangiense November shade drained fl ies Iris virginica var. shrevei Shreve’s iris 0.5-1m May - July wet to moist bees white shade Symphyotrichum white, pink, bees, butterfl ies, purplestem aster up to 1m July - August sun moist sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, puniceum purple fl ies Liatris spicata blazing star up to 1.5m pinkish purple June - July moist to wet X sun hummingbirds Symphyotrichum New England September - sun to partial moist, well- bees, butterfl ies, up to 1m purple August - sun to partial bees, novae-angliae aster October shade drained fl ies Lobelia cardinalis cardinal fl ower 1-1.5m red moist to wet October shade hummingbirds eastern skunk- wet to Symplocarpus foetidus up to 1m dark maroon April - May sun to shade beetles, fl ies bees, butterfl ies, cabbage fl ooded partial sun to Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells up to 0.5m light blue May - July moist moths, X shade hummingbirds Tiarella cordifolia foamfl ower less than 1m white April - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies, moths July - sun to partial hummingbirds, nodding wake partial sun to beetles, fl ies, Monarda didyma beebalm 1-2m scarlet red moist to wet X Trillium fl exipes less than 1m white April - May moist September shade butterfl ies, bees robin partial shade bees butterfl ies, beetles, fl ies, lavendar pink July - sun to partial Trillium grandifl orum white trillium less than 1m white May - June partial sun moist Monarda fi stulosa wild bergamot 1m moist hummingbirds, X bees to violet blue September sun bees, wasps, July - dry, drained Verbena stricta hoary vervain less than 1m purple sun bees, butterfl ies X May - sun to partial September to sandy Monarda punctata spotted beebalm up to 1m pinkish white moist bees, butterfl ies X September shade sun to partial Zizia aurea golden Alexanders up to 1m yellow May - July moist to wet fl ies, bees X July - dry to well bees, fl ies, sun Oligoneuron album prairie goldenrod up to 1m white sun September drained butterfl ies Vines bees, fl ies, Packera plattensis prairie groundsel less than 1m yellow May - July sun to shade moist to wet sun to partial hummingbirds, butterfl ies, moths Campsis radicans trumpet creeper up to 12m orange-red June - October dry to moist X sun bees pink to violet sun to partial Penstemon hirsutus hairy beardtongue less than 1m June - July moist to dry bees X sun to partial blue sun Clematis virginiana virgin’s bower 3m+ white July - August moist fl ies, bees sun pale blue to butterfl ies, moth, Phlox divaricata wild blue phlox less than 1m lavender (or April - June partial shade moist Parthenocissus bees Virginia creeper 15m+ greenish white May - June sun to shade dry to moist bees, fl ies X white) quinquefolia moist to well sun to partial moist, well Podophyllum peltatum Mayapple less than 1m white March - May shade bees, beetles Vitis aestivalis summer grape 18m+ greenish yellow May - June bees, fl ies X drained sun drained partial sun to Polemonium reptans Jacob’s ladder less than 1m light blue May - June moist bees, fl ies, moths Shelter Plants partial shade yellow to August - sun to partial grey-headed sun to parital bees, butterfl ies, Andropogon gerardii big bluestem 1-3.5m moist Ratibida pinnata up to 2m yellow May - October dry to moist brown November shade prairie conefl ower shade fl ies blue gramma yellow to red- yellow with Bouteloua gracilis less than 1m July - October sun dry June - sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, grass brown Rudbeckia hirta black-eyed Susan up to 1m dark brown moist to dry X September sun beetles, wasps yellow, green, sun to partial center Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye up to 1m March - June moist brown shade June - sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Rudbeckia laciniata cutleaf conefl ower 1-3m yellow, brown moist to dry X August - September shade beetles, wasps Eragrostis spectabilis purple lovegrass up to 1m reddish sun moist October Scrophularia July - sun to partial Carpenter’s square 1.5-3m red well drained fl ies, wasps, bees Schizachyrium yellow, green, June - sun to partial marilandica September shade little bluestem less than 1m dry scoparium brown December shade sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Solidago juncea early goldenrod 1-3m yellow June - August dry to moist shade fl ies

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Lake Erie Lowlands Habitat and Nesting requirements:

BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. The majority of honey bees are Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced managed by beekeepers in hives. In urban and garden settings it is common to see a single or a handful of FLOWERS honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t Catalpa x approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Catnip x x x 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 Clover x x forage on a diversity of wildfl owers as well. Honey bees also need plants that produce a large amount of nectar to Columbine x make honey from. Clovers, lavenders, mints, and sages are great nectar source. Honey bees also like to feed off of the Cow parsley x pollen of trees and shrubs such as maples, willows, and roses. Fields of goldenrod are an excellent pollen source. Goldenrod x x x x Bumble Bees: Impatiens x Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down fl ower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are Irises x x founded by a queen in the spring. The number of workers in a colony can grow to 10,000 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 Lavender x x x x bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even fl ying in light rain. Milkwort x Large carpenter bees: Morning glory x Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may Penstemon x x x be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather. Passion fl owers x Digger bees: Phacelia x x x x x x x x Sandy soil, compacted soils, and stream banksides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be Potentilla x seen at other times. Keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Rose x x x x x Small carpenter bees: Salvia x x x x x Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. Saxifrages x x Squash and Gourd bees: Sorrel x Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found Sunfl owers x x x x x x x x in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in the wilted fl owers. Violet x x Leafcutting bees: Wild Mustard x x Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave Willow catkins x x dead limbs and trees to support not just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutting bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather. CROPS Almond x x x Mason bees: Apple x Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or 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. Blueberry x x x Cherry x x 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 Eggplant x x x then for nectar later. Keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. Water melon x x Squash/ Yellow-faced bees: Pumpkins/ x x In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Andrenid bees: Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen Thyme x x x x x on fl owers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 21 A Basic Checklist Resources

Become familiar with pollinators 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 in your landscape. plants in your area.

n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. Ecoregion profi le Native Plants NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you fi rst get Lake Erie Lowland Tallgrass Ontario started. As an example, simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/16-002-x/2010001/article/11135-eng.htm www.tallgrassontario.org fl ower that blooms in the fall. n Consult a local fi eld guide or web site when you are ready to Environment Canada Ecozones Program – Lake Erie Lowland Ontario Wildfl owers learn more details. http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/135.html www.ontariowildfl owers.com n Take photos of the bumble bees you see and submit them to the identifi cation service offered at bumblebeewatch.org Toronto Botanical Garden Pollination/Pollinators www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca Add native plants to attract more Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Royal Botanical Gardens native pollinators. www.rbg.ca North American Pollinator Protection Campaign n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. www.nappc.org Feedback n Determine when you need additional fl owers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Pollination Canada We need your help to create better n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable www.pollinationcanada.ca guides for other parts of North heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. America. Please e-mail your input n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for Seeds of Diversity to [email protected]. larval development. www.seeds.ca n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help. n Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada How will you use this guide? www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 Use pollinator friendly landscape n Do you fi nd the directions practices to support the North American Butterfl y Association clear? If not, please tell us pollinators you attract. www.naba.org what is unclear.

Canadian Honey Council n n Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to address pest Is there any information you www.honeycouncil.ca concerns. feel is missing from the guide? n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for Island Press: Washington, DC. n Any other comments? pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water. Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of Thank you Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. for taking Notice the changes the time to help! that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lake Erie Lowland 23 Research and Writing: Mary K . Byrne Dr. Victoria Wojcik

Editorial: Mary K . Byrne, Dr. Victoria Wojcik

NAPPC Contributors: Susan Chan ____Manager, Native Pollinator Program, Farms at Work Carol Dunk ___Ontarial Hort Society and Roadside Pollinator Plantings Elizabeth Elle ______Simon Frasier University Shona Ellis______Associate Head of Biology for UBC Kim Fellows ______Pollination Canada Kristy Grigg-McCuffi n _____ Pome Fruit IPM Specalist - OMAFRA Jennifer Heron ______COSEWIC Chair, BC Ministry of Ag Patricia Houle ______Environment Canada Victoria MacPhail ______ED of Pollination Guelph Walter Muma ______Ontario Wildfl owers Jon Peter ______Royal Botanical Gardens - Hamilton Lacey Samuels ______UBC Botanical Gardens and Centre of Plant Research Cynthia Sayre VanDusen ______Botanical Gardens Bob Wildfong ______Seeds of Diversity Tom Woodcock ______Rare Charitable Trust Paul Zammit ____ Director of Horticulture Toronto Botanical Garden

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

Photo Contributors: Lara Roketenetz, Tim Dunne

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 423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137 d 24 www.pollinatorpartnership.ca www.nappc.orgSelecting Plants for Pollinators