Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Lower Mainland

Including The

Greater Vancouver Area,

Abbotsford, Chilliwack,

Powell River, Harrison Lake,

and parts of

and Similkameen Valley NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Lower Mainland 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat Hints 21

Habitat and Nesting Requirements 22

This is one of several guides for Checklist and Resources 23 different regions of North America. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides Feedback 24 useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

Cover bee photo by Julie Baker

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Lower Mainland

Including The

Greater Vancouver Area,

Abbotsford, Chilliwack,

Powell River, Harrison Lake,

and parts of

Similkameen Valley

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership Canada (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

Lower Mainland 3 Why support pollinators?

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 food urban landscapes sources increase.

Pumpkins, broccoli, squash, and cabbage are some of the crops raised actually feed the in the Lower Mainland that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate more than $1 billion worth of crops in Canada each year. terrestrial world,

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, and pollinators disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees during the winter has highlighted how severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused by disease, pesticide are the great use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices. Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. The efforts to connectors who understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. enable this giant It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the food system to natural world.

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

Laurie Davies Adams – Roger Lang, Chairman, Executive Director Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS just one The Canadian ecoregions are winter months and reanges from in a series of plant selection tools based on the National Ecological 850mm to 2000mm annually. designed to provide information Framework Report. The National The Lower Mainland is on how individuals can infl uence Ecological Framework for Canada characterized primarily by forests pollinator populations through is a system created as a management including Western red cedar and choices they make when they farm tool and is used to predict responses Western Hemlock. a plot of ground, manage large to land management practices Long before there were homes tracts of public land, or plant a throughout large areas. This guide and farms in this area, natural garden. Each of us can have a addresses pollinator-friendly land vegetation provided essential positive impact by providing the management practices in what is feeding opportunities for wildlife, essential habitat requirements for known as the Lower Mainland. including pollinators. In choosing pollinators including food, water, The Lower Mainland ecoregion is plants, aim to create habitat for shelter, and enough space to raise part of the larger Pacifi c Maritime pollinators that allow adequate food, their young. 2 Ecozone,which spans 195,000 km shelter, and water sources. Most Pollinators travel through the along the Canadian Pacifi c Coast. pollinators have very small home landscape without regard to The Lower Mainland ecoregion ranges. You can make a difference property ownership or provincial is contained entirely in British by understanding the vegetation boundaries. We’ve chosen to use Columbia and is approximately patterns on the farm, forest, or 2 the ecoregional classifi cation system 5,000 km from the foothills of the neighbour’s yard adjacent to yours to identify the geographic focus Cascade Mountains to the Fraser and by making planting choices of this guide and to underscore River. that support the pollinators’ need the connections between climate The summer mean temperature for food and shelter as they move and vegetation types that affect is 15°C and the winter mean through the landscape. the diversity of pollinators in the temperature is 3.5°C. This environment. ecoregion’s precipitation peaks in

Lower Mainland 5 Understanding the Lower Mainland

n This region is designated number 196 Lower Mainland. To see a map of the other ecoregions go to: http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/196.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 5,067 km2 within British Columbia.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 310 metres.

n Summer mean temperature of 15°C and winter mean temperature of 3.5°C

n Average year-round precipitation between 850 to 2,000mm.

n Diverse soil types including glacial till, silty alluvium and marine sediments.

Characteristics

n Dominated by dense coniferous forests including Douglas fi r, Western red hemlock and dogwood.

n Deciduous trees including oak and large leaf maple.

n Understories are characterized by moss, Oregon grape and salal.

n Wetter areas are comprised of Douglas fi r, Western red cedar and Western hemlock.

n Wildlife include marine birds, black tail deer, racoon, sea otters and coyote.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Lower Mainland includes: The Greater Vancouver Area Abbotsford Chilliwack Powell River Harrison Lake and parts of Similkameen Valley

Lower Mainland 7 Meet the Pollinators

Who are the underground. Various species are solitary while others form loose pollinators? colonies. Solitary bees include carpenter Bees bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest Bees are well documented in wood; digger, (Apidae), which pollinators in the natural and nest underground; leafcutting bees agricultural systems of the Lower (Megachile spp.), which prefer dead Mainland. A wide range of crops trees or branches for their nest including pumpkins, squash, sites; and mason bees (Osmia spp.), broccoli, and cabbage are just a which utilize cavities that they fi nd few plants that benefi t from bee in stems and dead wood. Sunfl ower pollinators. bees (Diadasia spp.) are also solitary Most of us are familiar with the ground nesters. colonies of honey bees that have been the workhorses of agricultural pollination for years in Canada. Butterfl ies They were imported from Europe Gardeners have been attracting almost 400 years ago. butterfl ies to their gardens for some time. These insects tend to be eye- There are over 800 species of native catching, as are the fl owers that ground and twig nesting bees in attract them. Position fl owering Canada. Most bee species live a Flower fl ies, also known as hoverfl ies, plants where they have full sun and mimic the appearance of bees or wasps solitary life while a minority of are protected from the wind. Also, and feed on nectar and pollen like bees, species are social and form colonies. you will need to provide open areas but are classifi ed as fl ies. Native bees currently pollinate (e.g., bare earth, large stones) where many crops and can be encouraged butterfl ies may bask, and moist soil to do more to support agricultural from which they may get needed endeavours if their needs for nesting minerals. By providing a safe place habitat are met and if suitable to eat and nest, gardeners can also sources of nectar, pollen, and water support the pollination role that Western Tiger Swallowtail are provided. Bees have tongues of butterfl ies play in the landscape. It varying lengths that help determine might mean accepting slight damage which fl owers they can obtain nectar to the plants, known as host plants, and pollen from. that provide food for the larval stage The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms of the butterfl y. small colonies, usually underground. A diverse group of butterfl ies They are generalists, feeding on a are present in garden areas and wide range of plant material from woodland edges that provide bright April to October and are important fl owers, water sources, and specifi c pollinators of tomatoes. The sweat host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, bee (family Halictidae) nests and herbaceous plants support

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators butterfl y populations. draw beetles to their gardens, (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod possibly because beetle watching (Solidago spp.), and members of the Butterfl ies are in the Order isn’t as inspiring as butterfl y or bird carrot family like Queen Anne’s Lepidoptera. Some of the types in watching. Yet beetles do play a role lace (Daucus carota). the Lower Mainland are Brush- in pollination. Some have a bad footed, Swallowtail, Copper, reputation because they can leave a Skipper, and Hairstreak butterfl ies. mess behind, damaging plant parts Birds They usually look for fl owers that that they eat. Beetles are not as Hummingbirds are the primary provide a good landing platform. effi cient as some pollinators. They birds which play a role in Wet mud areas provide butterfl ies wander between different species, pollination in North America. Their with both the moisture and often dropping pollen as they go. long beaks and tongues draw nectar minerals they need to stay healthy. from tubular fl owers. Pollen is Beetle pollinated plants tend to be Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even carried on both the beaks and large, strong scented fl owers with dung, so don’t clean up all the feathers of different hummingbirds. their sexual organs exposed. They messes in your garden! The regions closer to the tropics, are known to pollinate magnolia, with warmer climates, boast the stiff goldenrod, paw paws, and largest number of hummingbird yellow pond lilies. Moths species and the greatest number of Moths are most easily distinguished native plants to support the bird’s from butterfl ies by their antennae. Flies need for food. White-winged doves Butterfl y antennae are simple with a (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators It may be hard to imagine why one swelling at the end. Moth antennae of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia would want to attract fl ies to the differ from simple to featherlike, gigantea) in the south central United garden. However, like beetles, the but never have a swelling at the States. number of fl y species and the fact tip. In addition, butterfl ies typically that fl ies are generalist pollinators Bright coloured tubular fl owers are active during the day; moths at (visit many species of plants), attract hummingbirds to gardens. night. Butterfl y bodies are not very should encourage us all to leave Hummingbirds can see the colour hairy, while moth bodies are quite those fl ies alone and let them do red; bees cannot. Many tropical hairy and more stout. their job as pollinators. fl owers, grown as annuals in the Moths, generally less colourful Lower Mainland, along with native Recent research indicates that fl ies than butterfl ies, also play a role woodland edge plants, attract primarily pollinate small fl owers in pollination. They are attracted hummingbirds. that bloom under shade and in to fl owers that are strongly sweet seasonally moist habitats. The smelling, open in late afternoon or National Research Council’s Status night, and are typically white or Bats of Pollinators in North America study pale coloured. Though bats in the Lower Mainland states that fl ies are economically are not pollinators, bats play an important as pollinators for a range important role in pollination in the of annual and bulbous ornamental Beetles southwest where they feed on agave fl owers. More than 9000 species of beetles and cactus. The long-nosed bats’ are found in Canada and many of Plants pollinated by the fl y head shape and long tongue allows them can be found on fl ower heads. include the American pawpaw it to delve into fl ower blossoms and Gardeners have yet to intentionally (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage extract both pollen and nectar.

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

Lower Mainland 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER of pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, can move safely through the many hectares, land manager of a chives, parsley and lavender are landscape protected from predators. large tract of land, or a gardener just a few herbs that can be planted. • Include plants that are needed with a small lot, you can increase Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and by butterfl ies during their larval the number of pollinators in your single sunfl owers support bees and development. butterfl ies. area by making conscious choices to Water: include plants that provide essential • Recognize weeds that might be a A clean, reliable source of water is habitat for bees, butterfl ies, moths, good source of food. For example, essential to pollinators. beetles, hummingbirds and other dandelions provide nectar in the • Natural and human-made water pollinators. early spring before other fl owers open. Milkweeds are a host for the features such as running water, Food: Monarch butterfl y. pools, ponds, and small containers Flowers provide nectar (high in • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest of water provide drinking and sugar and necessary amino acids) Management (IPM) practices to bathing opportunities for pollinators. and pollen (high in protein) to address pest concerns. Minimize or • Ensure the water sources have pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. a shallow or sloping side so the Fermenting fallen fruits also provide pollinators can easily approach the food for bees, beetles and butterfl ies. Shelter: water without drowning. Specifi c plants, known as host Pollinators need protection from Your current landscape probably plants, are eaten by the larvae of severe weather and from predators includes many of these elements. pollinators such as butterfl ies. as well as sites for nesting and Observe wildlife activity in your farm • Plant in groups to increase roosting. fi elds, woodlands, and gardens 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, • Build bee boxes to encourage and other habitat elements. Minor providing food from early spring to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest changes by many individuals can late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-20) on your property. positively impact the pollinator • Plant a diversity of plants to • Ground nesting bees are also populations in your area. Watch support a variety of pollinators. attracted to lawns and short grass for - and enjoy - the changes in your Flowers of different color, areas, especially if there is a south landscape! fragrance, and season of bloom facing slope. • CAUTION LAND MANAGERS: on plants of different heights will • Leave some areas of soil uncovered Remember that pesticides are attract different pollinator species to provide ground nesting insects largely toxic to pollinators. and provide pollen and nectar easy access to underground tunnels. Extreme caution is warranted if throughout the seasons. • Avoid applying thick layers of you choose to use any pesticide. • Many herbs and annuals, although mulch that are hard to dig through. Strategically apply pesticides only not native, are very good for • Group plantings so that pollinators for problematic target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Lower Mainland 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbour’s garden centres, in catalogs, and 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 choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specifi c native pollinators. Some bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember • Find local resources to help you in that specialized cultivars sometimes your efforts. Contact your regional aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers conservation authority agent or that have been drastically altered, garden club. Visit your regional such as cultivars with double petals botanic gardens and arboreta. or completely different colour than the wild species, often prevent pollinators from fi nding and feeding on the fl owers. In addition, some cultivars don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.

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

Lower Mainland 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lower Mainland 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 Also Botanical Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs red, sun to partial dry to Acer spp. maples 12-20m+ greenish, March - April bees X shade wet yellow Actaea rubra red baneberry 1m white April - June sun to shade moist bees, fl ies Saskatoon sun to partial moist to Amelanchier alnifolia 1-5m white April - July bees, fl ies X serviceberry shade dry Pacifi c sun to partial Arbutus menziesii 6-30m white April - May dry beetles, fl ies, bees madrone shade Hairy sun to partial dry, well Arctostaphylos columbiana 0.1-3m white April - July beetles, fl ies, bees manzanita shade drained red fruit less than sun to partial Arctostaphylos rubra white May - June wet beetles, fl ies, bees bearberry 1m shade less than dry to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi kinnikinnick pink April - June sun to shade bees, beetles 1m moist redstem dry to bees, fl ies, moths, Ceanothus sanguineus 1-3m white May - July sun to shade ceanothus moist butterfl ies dry to snowbrush April - bees, fl ies, moths, Ceanothus velutinus 1-1.5m white sun to shade well ceanothus August butterfl ies drained moist Pacifi c bees, beetles, fl ies, Cornus nuttallii 4-12m white April - June shade to well X dogwood butterfl ies drained western moist less than Cornus unalaschkensis cordilleran white June - August partial shade to well bees, fl ies, beetles X 1 m bunchberry drained sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Holodiscus discolor oceanspray 1-2m white June - August moist X shade fl ies Loiseleuria procumbens alpine azalea 1m pink June - August partial shade moist bees orange sun, partial well bees, Lonicera ciliosa climbing orange May - July honeysuckle shade to shade drained hummingbirds limber yellow, sun, partial dry to bees, Lonicera dioica 1-3m May - June honeysuckle orange shade to shade moist hummingbirds twinberry yellow to April - sun, partial bees, Lonicera involucrata 1-3m moist honeysuckle red August shade to shade hummingbirds Utah white, well Lonicera utahensis 1-2m May - June shade bees, moths honeysuckle yellow drained hollyleaved partial shade Mahonia aquifolium 1-2m yellow March - May dry bees barberry to shade Cascade less than dry to Mahonia nervosa yellow March - June sun to shade bees barberry 1m moist creeping less than dry to Mahonia repens yellow April - June partial shade bees barberry 1m moist

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Also Botanical Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Pacifi c white to moist to Malus fusca 6-10m April - June sun bees, fl ies, moths X crabapple pink wet rusty pink to well Menziesia ferruginea 0.5-1.5m May - August shade bees menziesia red drained Pacifi c sun to partial moist to Physocarpus capitatus 1-2.5m white May - June bees, fl ies ninebark shade wet sun to partial well Prunus emarginata bitter cherry 1-15m white April - June bees X shade drained dry, well Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry 10-15m white April - May sun bees X drained dry to bees, butterfl ies, Prunus virginiana chokecherry 6-10m white May - July sun to shade X moist moths dry, well Cascade sun, partial drained, Rhododendron albifl orum 1-2m white June - August bees, fl ies azalea shade to shade moist to wet Rhododendron Pacifi c pink to partial shade dry to 1.5-7.5m May - July bees macrophyllum rhododendron purple to shade moist green to dry, well currants and bees, Ribes spp. various white to March - June sun to shade drained, X gooseberrys hummingbirds pink moist well mapleleaf sun to partial Ribes acerifolium 1m pink June - July drained bees currant shade to moist white- partial shade moist to Ribes bracteosum stink currant 1-3m May - June bees yellow to shade wet white to sun to partial dry to Ribes cereum wax currant 1-1.5m April - July bees pink shade moist spreading white to sun, partial well Ribes divaricatum 3m April - May bees gooseberry red shade to shade drained bees, redfl ower sun, partial dry to Ribes sanguineum 1-3m red April - June hummingbirds, X currant shade to shade moist butterfl ies sun to partial dry to Rosa acicularis prickly rose 1+m pink June - July bees, fl ies, beetles shade wet sun, partial dry to Rosa gymnocarpa dwarf rose 2m pink May - August bees shade to shade moist sun, partial dry to Rosa nutkana Nootka rose 1-3m pink May - July bees, butterfl ies X shade to shade moist sun, partial dry to Rosa woodsii Woods’ rose up to 1.5m pink May - July bees shade to shade moist less than bees, beetles, Rubus chamaemorus cloudberry white May - June sun dry 1m butterfl ies wild red sun, partial dry to bees, beetles, Rubus idaeus 1.5-2.5m white June - July raspberry shade to shade moist butterfl ies whitebark sun, partial bees, beetles, Rubus leucodermis 0.5-2 m white April - July dry raspberry shade to shade butterfl ies strawberryleaf less than partial shade well bees, beetles, Rubus pedatus white June raspberry 1m to shade drained butterfl ies western April - sun, partial Rubus ursinus 0.5-1.5m white moist bees blackberry August shade to shade

continued on page 18

Lower Mainland 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lower Mainland

Common Also Botanical Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host sun, partial Rubus spectabilis salmonberry 1-3m pink March - June moist bees, butterfl ies shade to shade white to sun, partial moist to Salix lucida shining willow 3.5-6m March - May bees yellow shade to shade wet bees, beetles, sun to partial Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea blue elderberry 2-8m white May - July moist moths, butterfl ies, shade fl ies bees, beetles, sun, partial moist to Sambucus racemosa red elderberry 2.5-6m white March - June moths, butterfl ies, shade to shade wet fl ies pink, sun to partial bees, fl ies, Spiraea douglasii rose spirea 1-3m June - August moist purple shade butterfl ies rose sun to partial bees, fl ies, Spiraea splendens 1m pink June - August moist meadowsweet shade butterfl ies common white to sun to partial Symphoricarpos albus 0.5-1.5m May - August dry bees snowberry pink shade dry to western white to Symphoricarpos occidentalis 1+m June - August sun well bees snowberry pink drained less than white to well Vaccinium caespitosum dwarf bilberry May - July sun bees, butterfl ies X 1m pink drained highbush white to sun, partial dry to Vaccinium corymbosum 2-3m May - June bees blueberry pink shade to shade wet thinleaf white to sun, partial dry, moist, Vaccinium membranaceum up to 2m May - June bees huckleberry pink shade to shade wet velvetleaf less than white to sun, partial Vaccinium myrtilloides May - June moist bees X huckleberry 1m pink shade to shade oval-leaf white to moist to Vaccinium ovalifolium 1m May - July sun to shade bees blueberry pink wet white to red sun, partial Vaccinium parvifolium up to 6m pink to April - June moist bees, butterfl ies huckleberry shade to shade green less than white to sun, partial moist to Vaccinium uliginosum bog blueberry May - June bees, butterfl ies X 1m pink shade to shade wet Viburnum edule squashberry 0.5-2+m white May - June sun to shade moist bees, butterfl ies X well Viburnum American 2-4m white May - July partial shade drained bees, butterfl ies X opulus var. americanum cranberry bush to wet Forbs Achillea millefolium western less than white to April - sun to partial dry bees, fl ies, moths X var. occidentalis yarrow 1m pink October shade Cascade less than partial shade hummingbirds, Aquilegia formosa red May - August moist columbine 1m to shade bees, moths showy white to Asclepias speciosa 1m June -August sun moist bees, butterfl ies X milkweed pink arrowleaf bees, butterfl ies, Balsamorhiza sagittata 1m yellow May - July sun moist balsamroot fl ies

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Also Botanical Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host less than blue to Delphinium bicolor little larkspur May - July sun dry bees 1m purple bees, butterfl ies, moist to Delphinium glaucum Sierra larkspur 1-2m purple July - August partial shade moths, wet hummingbirds dry to twolobe less than blue to bees, moths, Delphinium nuttallianum March - July sun well larkspur 1m purple hummingbirds drained pimpernel less than June - well Epilobium anagallidifolium pink sun bees, moth willowherb 1m September drained Chamerion angustifolium June - bees, butterfl ies, fi reweed 1-1.5m pink sun moist ssp. Angustifolium September moths dwarf less than pink to Chamerion latifolium June - August sun moist bees, moth fi reweed 1m purple dry to eastern daisy June - bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron annuus 1m white sun well fl eabane October fl ies drained less than white to well bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron compositus cutleaf daisy May - August partial shade 1m pink drained fl ies spreading less than white to April - bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron divergens partial shade moist fl eabane 1m pink October fl ies well Philadelphia less than white to bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron philadelphicus April - June partial shade drained fl eabane 1m pink fl ies to moist prairie less than white to well bees, butterfl ies, Erigeron strigosus April - May sun fl eabane 1m pink drained fl ies sulphur-fl ower less than yellow to sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Eriogonum umbellatum June - August dry buckwheat 1m red shade fl ies common less than bees, butterfl ies, Eriophyllum lanatum woolly yellow May - August sun dry 1m fl ies sunfl ower fl at-top July - Euthamia graminifolia 1m yellow sun moist bees, beetles goldentop September Virginia less than sun to partial bees, fl ies, Fragaria virginiana white May - August dry X strawberry 1m shade butterfl ies woolly white- bees, fl ies, Geranium erianthum 1m May - July partial shade moist X geranium purple butterfl ies sticky purple less than sun, partial Geranium viscosissimum purple May - July moist bees, butterfl ies X geranium 1m shade to shade Maximilian August - dry to bees, fl ies, Helianthus maximiliani 1-3m yellow sun X sunfl ower September moist butterfl ies well less than white to Lobelia kalmii Ontario lobelia July - August sun drained bees 1m blue to moist miniature less than well Lupinus bicolor purple April - June sun bees lupine 1m drained less than white, sun to partial dry to bees, Lupinus sericeus silky lupine June - August 1m purple shade moist hummingbirds less than pink- sun to partial dry to bees, butterfl ies, Monarda fi stulosa wild bergamot May - August 2m purple shade moist humming birds woodland pink to Nothochelone nemorosa 1m June - August partial shade dry bees beardtongue purple

continued on page 20 Lower Mainland 19 continued from page 19 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lower Mainland

Common Also Botanical Name Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host yellow less than white to Penstemon confertus July sun dry bees penstemon 1m yellow Davidson’s less than pink to well bees, Penstemon davidsonii July-August sun penstemon 1m purple drained hummingbirds serrulate less than blue to moist to Penstemon serrulatus June - August partial shade bees penstemon 1m purple wet dry to silverleaf less than white to Phacelia hastata May - July partial shade well bees phacelia 1m purple drained less than white to well Phacelia sericea silky phacelia June - July partial shade bees 1m purple drained sticky less than well Polemonium viscosum purple July - August sun bees polemonium 1m drained blackeyed less than June - sun to partial dry to Rudbeckia hirta yellow bees, butterfl ies X Susan 1m September shade moist Canada September - sun to partial dry to bees, butterfl ies, Solidago canadensis 1-2m yellow goldenrod October shade moist moths, beetles, fl ies dry to Missouri July - bees, butterfl ies, Solidago missouriensis 1m yellow sun well goldenrod September moths, beetles, fl ies drained less than July - Symphyotrichum ascendens western aster purple sun moist bees 1m September well smooth blue August - sun to partial Symphyotrichum laeve 1m purple drained bees aster September shade to moist white panicle August - sun to partial well Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 1m white bees, fl ies aster September shade drained white to sun to partial well Trifolium wormskioldii cows clover 1m+ May - August bees purple shade drained dry to bigbract less than pink to May - Verbena bracteata sun well bees verbena 1m purple September drained Vines pink, pink partial shade dry to Lonicera hispidula 1-2m yellowish June - August hummingbirds honeysuckle to shade moist pink Shelter Plants yellow, sideoats June - sun to partial dry to Bouteloua curtipendula up to 1m orange, grama September shade moist red yellow, Canada Elymus canadensis up to 1m green, March - June sun moist wildrye brown tufted yellow, April - well Eragrostis pectinacea up to 1m sun lovegrass brown August drained yellow, less than June - Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem green, sun dry 1m December brown

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat Hints FOR THE Lower Mainland

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 fl owers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunfl owers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS 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

Lower Mainland 21 Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. The majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. In urban and garden settings it is common to see a single or a handful of honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Honey bees have different feeding needs than native bees. Their colony can last multiple years and they feed on fl owers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildfl owers as well. Honey bees also need plants that produce a large amount of nectar to make honey from. Clovers, lavenders, mints, and sages are great nectar source. Honey bees also like to feed off of the pollen of trees and shrubs such as maples, willows, and roses. Fields of goldenrod are an excellent pollen source.

Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down fl ower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring. The number of workers in a colony can grow to 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 bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even fl ying in light rain.

Large carpenter bees: 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, stream banksides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times. Keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through.

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.

Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in the wilted fl owers.

Leafcutting 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 just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutting bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather.

Mason bees: 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.

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. Keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through.

Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day.

Yellow-faced bees: In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours.

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 on fl owers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators A Basic Checklist Resources

Become familiar with Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather pollinators in your landscape. information for this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and 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 Ecoregion profi le your garden. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify Environment Canada Ecozones Program – Lower Mainland each species when you fi rst get started. As an example, http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/196.html note if it is a bee that likes the yellow fl ower that blooms in the fall. Statistics Canada - Ecoregional Profi le: Lower Mainland of n Consult a local fi eld guide or web site when you are British Columbia ready to learn more details. www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/16-002-x/2009004/article/11031-eng.htm n Take photos of the bumble bees you see and submit them to the identifi cation service offered at bumblebeewatch.org Pollination/Pollinators

Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Add native plants to attract more native pollinators. North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.nappc.org n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. Pollination Canada www.pollinationcanada.ca n Determine when you need additional fl owers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Seeds of Diversity www.seeds.ca n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies create variable heights for shelter, and attract the of Canada www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of- types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food canada/?id=1370403265518 and shelter for larval development. North American Butterfl y Association www.naba.org n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help. Canadian Honey Council www.honeycouncil.ca

Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Use pollinator friendly Pollinators Island Press: Washington, DC. landscape practices to support the pollinators you Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of Pollinators in North America The National attract. Academies Press: Washington, DC. n Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to address pest concerns. Native Plants n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, Native Plant Society of British Columbia keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave www.npsbc.ca/nativeplants.html some weeds that provide food for pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water. UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

Lower Mainland 23 Research and Writing: Mary K . Byrne Dr. Victoria Wojcik

Editorial: Mary K . Byrne, Dr. Victoria Wojcik

NAPPC Contributors: Elizabeth Elle ______Simon Frasier University Jennifer Heron ______British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture Lacey Samuels_UBC Botanical Gardens and Centre of Plant Research Feedback Cynthia Sayre VanDusen ______Botanical Gardens Shona Ellis______University of British Columbia We need your help to create better Walter Muma ______Ontario Wildfl owers guides for other parts of North Susan Chan ______Native Pollinator Program, Farms at Work America. Please e-mail your input to [email protected] Design: Marguerite Meyer n How will you use this guide?

n Do you fi nd the directions clear? If not, please tell us Funding: what is unclear. Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

n Is there any information you feel is missing from the guide? Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert n Any other comments?

Thank you for taking the time to help!

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