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

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Lake Erie Lowlands 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat hints 20

Habitat and Nesting requirements 21

Checklist 22

Resources and Feedback 23 This is one of several guides for different regions of North America. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at feedback@pollinator.org

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators 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

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).

Lake Erie Lowland 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 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.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated and pollinators bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees during the winter has highlighted how severe the issues of are the great proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused by disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices. Currently, the connectors who pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other enable this giant pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.

It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations food system to thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world. work for all who

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

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS just one environment. of soil types in both sunny and in a series of plant selection tools The Canadian ecoregions are shady areas. With this diversity of designed to provide information based on the National Ecological locations many different species on how individuals can infl uence Framework Report. The National of plants may be used to improve pollinator populations through Ecological Framework for Canada pollinator habitats. choices they make when they farm is a system created as a management a plot of ground, manage large tool and is used to predict responses Long before there were homes tracts of public land, or plant a to land management practices and farms in this area, natural garden. Each of us can have a throughout large areas. This guide vegetation provided essential positive impact by providing the addresses pollinator-friendly land opportunities for wildlife, including 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 shelter, and enough space to raise allow adequate food, shelter, and their young. The seasonal cycle of sun and shade water sources. Most pollinators within the forests has created a have very small home ranges. Pollinators travel through the changing pattern of bloom time for You will make a difference by landscape without regard to food plants and shelter needs for understanding the vegetation property ownership or provincial foraging, nesting, and migrating patterns on the farm, forest, or boundaries. We’ve chosen to use pollinators. neighbour’s yard adjacent to your the ecoregional classifi cation system property. With this information in 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 and vegetation types that affect landscape. Farms and residential through the landscape. the diversity of pollinators in the areas provide a diverse range

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.

Characteristics

n Part of the most fl oralistically diverse ecozone in Canada with 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 Lowlands includes: The Greater Toronto Area The Golden Horseshoe Windsor London Sarnia Niagara Region

Lake Erie Lowland 7 Meet the Pollinators

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

Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz Butterfl ies are in the Order

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lepidoptera. Some of the types possibly because beetle watching (Solidago spp.), and members of the in the Lake Erie Lowlands are isn’t as inspiring as butterfl y or bird carrot family like Queen Anne’s Brush-footed, Gossamer-winged, watching. Yet beetles do play a role lace (Daucus carota). Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, in pollination. Some have a bad White, Sulphur and Monarch reputation because they can leave a Birds butterfl ies. They usually look for mess behind, damaging plant parts Hummingbirds are the primary fl owers that provide a good landing that they eat. Beetles are not as birds which play a role in pollina– platform. effi cient as some pollinators. They tion in North America. Their long wander between different species, Wet mud areas provide butterfl ies beaks and tongues draw nectar often dropping pollen as they go. with both the moisture and from tubular fl owers. Pollen is minerals they need to stay healthy. Beetle pollinated plants tend to be carried on both the beaks and Butterfl ies eat rotten fruit and even large, strong scented fl owers with feathers of different hummingbirds. 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, with warmer climates, boast the sweetshrub (Calycanthus spp.), paw largest number of hummingbird Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. species and the greatest number of native plants to support the bird’s Moths are most easily distinguished need for food. White-winged doves from butterfl ies by their antennae. Flies (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators Butterfl y antennae are simple with a It may be hard to imagine why one of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia swelling at the end. Moth antennae would want to attract fl ies to the gigantea) in the south central United differ from simple to featherlike, garden. However, like beetles, the States. but never have a swelling at the 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 Eastern Broadleaf Forest, along Moths, generally less colourful Recent research indicates that fl ies with native woodland edge plants, than butterfl ies, also play a role primarily pollinate small fl owers attract hummingbirds. in pollination. They are attracted 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 Bats night, and are typically white or of Pollinators in North America study Though bats in the Lake Erie pale coloured. states that fl ies are economically Lowlands are not pollinators, bats important as pollinators for a range play an important role in pollination of annual and bulbous ornamental in the southwest where they feed Beetles fl owers. on agave and cactus. The long- More than 9000 species of beetles Plants pollinated by the fl y nosed bats’ head shape and long are found in Canada and many of include the American pawpaw tongue allows it to delve into fl ower them can be found on fl ower heads. (Asimina triloba), skunk cabbage blossoms and extract both pollen Gardeners have yet to intentionally (Symplocarpus foetidus), goldenrod and nectar. draw beetles to their gardens,

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 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

Lake Erie Lowland 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. area by making conscious choices to butterfl ies. include plants that provide essential • Recognize weeds that might be a Water: habitat for bees, butterfl ies, moths, good source of food. For example, A clean, reliable source of water is beetles, hummingbirds and other dandelions provide nectar in the essential to pollinators. pollinators. early spring before other fl owers • Natural and human-made water open. Milkweed is 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, • 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 not native, are very good for • Group plantings so that pollinators for problematic target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

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

Lake Erie Lowland 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

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

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

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 Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Name Season host Trees and Shrubs red, greenish, sun to partial Acer spp. maples 12-20m+ March - April dry to wet bees X yellow shade Aesculus glabra Ohio buckeye 20-30m greenish yellow April - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies sun to partial moist, well Amelanchier spp. serviceberries 2-12m white March - April bees, fl ies X shade drained partial shade to Amorpha fruticosa false indigo 2.5-3.5m purple May - June wet to moist bees, fl ies shade sun to partial bees, beetles, Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry 2m white May - June dry to moist X sun fl ies bees, fl ies, sun to partial Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea 0.5-1m white June - August dry beetles, X sun butterfl ies pink to sun to partial moist, well Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 3-9m April - May bees X lavender shade drained alternateleaf bees, beetles, Cornus alternifolia 2-5.5m white April - July sun to shade dry to wet X dogwood fl ies, butterfl ies sun to part Crataegus spp. hawthorns 3.5-11m white May - June dry to moist butterfl ies, bees X shade northern bush- Diervilla lonicera up to 1m yellow June - July sun to shade dry to moist bees, moths X honeysuckle eastern witch- September - Hamamelis virginiana 3.5-4.5m yellow-orange moist sun to shade moths, beetles X hazel November northern Lindera benzoin 1.2-2m yellow green March - May sun to shade moist bees, fl ies X spicebush greenish-yellow, sun to partial Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar up to 36m+ April - May moist beetles, bees orange shade sun to partial bees, butterfl ies, Physocarpus opulifolius eastern ninebark 1-3m white May - June dry to wet X shade fl ies white, yellow, sun to partial Populus balsamifera balsam poplar up to 18m April - June well drained bees, fl ies green shade Prunus nigra Canada plum less than 7m white March - May sun dry to drained bees dry to moist, Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry 7.5-12m white May - June sun bees X well drained Prunus serotina black cherry 18-27m white April - May shade to sun moist bees, fl ies, wasps X sun to partial Prunus virginiana chokecherry 6m+ white June moist bees X sun sun to partial dry to moist, Rhus aromatica aromatic sumac 1.2-2m yellow green April - May fl ies, bees X shade well drained sun to partial dry to moist, Rhus typhina staghorn sumac 3-4.5m yellow, green June - August fl ies, bees X sun well drained greeenish white, moist to dry, Ribes triste (Ribes spp.) red currant 1-3m March - June sun to shade fl ie, beetles, bees white, pink, red well drained moist to well Rubus idaeus red raspberry less than 3m white June - August sun to shade bees, fl ies drained sun to partial Rubus occidentalis black raspberry 1-2m white March - April moist bees, fl ies shade

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Flower Also a Botanical Name Height Colour Sun Soil Pollinators Name Season host raspberries, white or rose June - sun to part Rubus spp. 1-3m moist bees, fl ies 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 common sun to partial Sambucus canadensis 2.5-3m white June - July dry to wet bees, bettles, fl ies X elderberry sun sun to partial bees, beetles, Sambucus racemosa red elderberry 1.5-2m white May - June dry to wet X shade fl ies sun to partial Sassafras albidum sassafras 10-18m yellow green March - June dry to wet fl ies X shade sun to partial Symphoricarpus alba snow berry 1m+ pink June - July dry bees X sun sun to partial moist, well Tilia americana basswood up to 25m yellow white April - June bees, fl ies, moths X shade drained Vaccinium sun to partial dry to moist, cranberry less than 1m white to pink April - June bees X macrocarpon shade well drained Forbs shade to partial Actaea racemosa black cohosh 1-1.5m white June - July moist bees, fl ies X sun sun to partial Allium cernuum nodding onion less than 1m white to purple July - August dry to moist bees, fl ies shade eastern sun to part Anemone patens 0.3-1m white March - June dry to moist bees, fl ies pasquefl ower shade partial shade moist, well hummingbirds, Aquilegia canadensis red columbine 0.3-1m red with yellow April - July X to sun drained bees, moths sun to partial bees, beetles, Asclepias hirtella green milkweed 0.3-1m green June - August dry to wet X shade fl ies, butterfl ies sun to part fl ies, butterfl ies, Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed 1.2-1.5m pink to reddish June - October moist X shade hummingbirds orange to bees, butterfl ies, Asclepias tuberosa butterfl y weed less than 1m May - August sun moist to dry yellow fl ies sun to partial Coreopsis spp. tickseeds up to 1m yellow May - August moist to dry bees, butterfl ies sun pale purple sun to partial Echinacea pallida up to 1m pale purple May - July well drained butterfl ies, bees conefl ower shade eastern purple sun to part med wet, well butterfl ies, bees, Echinacea purpurea up to 1m rose, purple Jun - August conefl ower shade drained beetles May - partial sun to bees, fl ies, Erigeron spp. daisy fl eabanes up to 1m white, yellow moist to wet X September sun butterfl ies, moths Erythronium yellow trout lily less than 1m yellow April - June shade moist bees americanum Eupatorium July - well drained bees, butterfl ies, common boneset 1-1.5 m white sun perfoliatum Septepmber to moist fl ies sweet scented pink to partial shade bees, butterfl ies, Eupatorium purpureum up to 2m July - August moist to wet X joe-pyeweed lavender to sun moths sun to partial well drained Fragaria virginiana wild strawberry less than 1m white April - June bees, fl ies shade to moist August - partial sun to Gentiana alba plain gentian up to 1m creamy white moist bees X October sun

continued on page 18

Lake Erie Lowland 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Lake Erie Lowlands

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

Lake Erie Lowland 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Lake Erie Lowlands

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

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. The majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. 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, and 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.

Lake Erie Lowland 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you fi rst get started. As an example, simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow fl ower that blooms in the fall. n Consult a local fi eld guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details. n Take photos of the bumble bees you see and submit them to the identifi cation service offered at bumblebeewatch.org

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. n Determine when you need additional fl owers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for larval development. n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help.

Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract.

n Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to address pest concerns. n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

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

Ecoregion profi le Native Plants Lake Erie Lowland Tallgrass Ontario http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/16-002-x/2010001/article/11135-eng.htm www.tallgrassontario.org

Environment Canada Ecozones Program – Lake Erie Lowland Ontario Wildfl owers http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/135.html www.ontariowildfl owers.com

Toronto Botanical Garden Pollination/Pollinators www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Royal Botanical Gardens www.rbg.ca North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.nappc.org Feedback

Pollination Canada We need your help to create better www.pollinationcanada.ca guides for other parts of North America. Please e-mail your input Seeds of Diversity to [email protected]. www.seeds.ca 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 n Do you fi nd the directions North American Butterfl y Association clear? If not, please tell us www.naba.org what is unclear.

Canadian Honey Council n Is there any information you www.honeycouncil.ca feel is missing from the guide? Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Island Press: Washington, DC. n Any other comments?

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 the time to help!

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