Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Continental Province

Including the states of: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee

and parts of: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, NAPPC Wisconsin Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Eastern Broadleaf Forest 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Far ms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

Check list 22

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

Cover barn photo by Tim Dunne

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Eastern Broadleaf Forest

Continental Province

Including the states of:

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee

and parts of:

Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant Conservation Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 3 Why support pollinators?

In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ Farming feeds of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Alfalfa, melons, soybeans, and tomatoes are some of the crops raised in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 billion are a critical worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, link in our food disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused systems.” by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices. -- Paul Growald, Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder, The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us Pollinator partnership understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.

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

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

Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

This regional guide is just one throughout large areas. This guide black oak, bitternut hickory, and in a series of plant selection tools addresses pollinator-friendly land shagbark hickory, with generally a designed to provide information management practices in what is well-developed understory. on how individuals can influence known as the Eastern Broadleaf This province has been subject pollinator populations through Forest, Continental Province. to intense timber harvesting and choices they make when they farm Portions of fifteen states make up farming practices for the past a plot of ground, manage large the 270,000 square miles of this thousand years, particularly during tracts of public land, or plant a province with elevations ranging the mid-nineteenth century. Much garden. Each of us can have a from 80 to 1,650 feet. The varied of the original vegetation no positive impact by providing the topography primarily includes areas longer remains, which has in turn essential habitat requirements for of lo rolling hills, dissected plateaus, diminished the original abundance pollinators including food, water, and basins found in Tennessee and of pollinators shelter, and enough space to allow Kentucky, but also includes areas Long before there were homes pollinators to raise their young. that are nearly flat. Average annual and farms in this area, the original, Pollinators travel through the temperatures vary considerably natural vegetation provided landscape without regard to from south (65°F) to north (40°F). continuous cover and adjacent property ownership or state This province is characterized by feeding opportunities for wildlife, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use broadleaf deciduous forest, and including pollinators. In choosing R.G. Bailey’s classification system sets itself apart as the only province plants, aim to create habitat for to identify the geographic focus with an abundance of both oak and pollinators that allow adequate food, of this guide and to underscore hickory trees. Northern parts of the shelter, and water sources. Most the connections between climate oak-hickory forest, from central pollinators have very small home and vegetation types that affect Minnesota south through Wisconsin ranges. You can make a difference the diversity of pollinators in the and northeastern Iowa, include by understanding the vegetation environment. maple, beech, and basswood. This patterns on the farm, forest, or Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United forest is medium-tall to tall and neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United ranges from savannah-like in the and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system north, to eastern Oklahoma to that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool Minnesota, where it gradually for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses becomes prairie. Dominant through the landscape. to land management practices trees include white oak, red oak,

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 5 Understanding F OR TH E EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, Continental PROVINCE

n This region is designated number 222 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html

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

n 270,000 square miles within 15 states.

n Low rolling hills, dissected plateaus, and basins, or nearly flat in parts.

n Elevations ranging from 80 to 1,650 feet.

n Average annual temperature ranges from 40°F in the north to 65°F in the south.

n Average year round precipitation between 20-50 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 2b-7bc.

Characteristics

n Dominated by broadleaf deciduous forest, primarily oak and hickory, both found in abundance.

n Well-developed understory, often with flowering dogwood, sassafras, and hophornbeam.

n Distinct shrub layer, with some evergreens.

n Many wildflower species.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province includes: “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Illinois Indiana to improve pollinator habitat makes Kentucky Tennessee sense in advancing our family farm’s and parts of: Alabama conservation and economic objectives, Arkansas Iowa enhancing beneficial wildlife and Michigan Minnesota improving pollination in our orchard Missouri New York and garden.” Ohio Oklahoma --Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, Pennsylvania Wisconsin National Association of Conservation Districts

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes spp.), which nest underground; Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Bees are the best documented which prefer dead trees or branches pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees agricultural landscapes of the (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Eastern Broadleaf Forest. A wide that they find in stems and dead range of crops including alfalfa, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) melons, soybeans, and tomatoes are are also solitary ground nesters. just a few plants that benefit from bee pollinators. Butter fl ies Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for been the workhorses of agricultural some time. These insects tend to pollination for years in the United be eye-catching, as are the flowers States. They were imported from that attract them. Position flowering Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also,

Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne Tim of courtesy Photo native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where species frequently seen in the while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil Eastern Broadleaf Forest. life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage Ironweed in Ohio. which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species in are solitary while others form loose the Eastern Broadleaf Forest are Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz Lara of courtesy Photo colonies.

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Brush-footed, Gossamer-winged, beetles do play a role in pollination. members of the carrot family like Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, Some have a bad reputation Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). White, Sulphur and Milkweed because they can leave a mess butterflies. They usually look for behind, damaging plant parts that flowers that provide a good landing they eat. Beetles are not as efficient Bir ds platform. as some pollinators. They wander Hummingbirds are the primary between different species, often birds which play a role in Wet mud areas provide butterflies dropping pollen as they go. pollination in North America. Their with both the moisture and long beaks and tongues draw nectar minerals they need to stay healthy. Beetle pollinated plants tend to be from tubular flowers. Pollen is Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even large, strong scented flowers with carried on both the beaks and dung, so don’t clean up all the their sexual organs exposed. They feathers of different hummingbirds. messes in your garden! are known to pollinate Magnolia, The regions closer to the tropics, sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw with warmer climates, boast the paws, and yellow pond lilies. Moths largest number of hummingbird species and the greatest number of Moths are most easily distinguished native plants to support the bird’s from butterflies by their antennae. Flies need for food. White-winged doves Butterfly antennae are simple with a It may be hard to imagine why one (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators swelling at the end. Moth antennae would want to attract flies to the of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia differ from simple to featherlike, garden. However, like beetles, the gigantea) in the south central United but never have a swelling at the number of fly species and the fact States. tip. In addition, butterflies typically that flies are generalist pollinators are active during the day; moths at (visit many species of plants), Bright colored tubular flowers night. Butterfly bodies are not very should encourage us all to leave attract hummingbirds to gardens hairy, while moth bodies are quite those flies alone and let them do throughout the United States. hairy and more stout. their job as pollinators. Hummingbirds can see the color red; bees cannot. Many tropical Moths, generally less colorful Recent research indicates that flies flowers, grown as annuals in the than butterflies, also play a role primarily pollinate small flowers Eastern Broadleaf Forest, along in pollination. They are attracted that bloom under shade and in with native woodland edge plants, to flowers that are strongly sweet seasonally moist habitats. The attract hummingbirds. smelling, open in late afternoon or National Research Council’s Status night, and are typically white or of Pollinators in North America study pale colored. states that flies are economically Bats important as pollinators for a range Beetles Though bats in the Eastern of annual and bulbous ornamental Over 30,000 species of beetles Broadleaf Forest are not pollinators, flowers. are found in the United States bats play an important role in and many of them can be found Plants pollinated by the fly pollination in the southwest where on flower heads. Gardeners have include the American pawpaw they feed on agave and cactus. The yet to intentionally draw beetles (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum long-nosed bats’ head shape and to their gardens, possibly because (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk long tongue allows it to delve into beetle watching isn’t as inspiring cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), flower blossoms and extract both as butterfly or bird watching. Yet goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and pollen and nectar.

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Which Flowers Trait D o th e 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, colorless; pr e f e r ? yellow, red Color or purple green red and purple flecked 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 the United States. Use this page as a resource Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent to understand the plants and guides pollinators where you live. Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; Plants can be grouped together Odor None Faint but fresh Putrid None based on the similar characteristics emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night of their flowers. These floral 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 floral characteristics and pollination method is called a pollination Limited; often 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 influenced 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 and the plant species helps the Shape Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted pollinator find necessary pollen and during day tubular perch support landing pad nectar sources and helps the plant reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another. This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml

10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind

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

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night

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

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

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

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

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

Whether you are a farmer not native, are very good for by butterflies during their larval of many acres, land manager of a pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, development. large tract of land, or a gardener chives, parsley and lavender are with a small lot, you can increase just a few herbs that can be planted. Water : the number of pollinators in your Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and A clean, reliable source of water is area by making conscious choices to single sunflowers support bees and essential to pollinators. include plants that provide essential butterflies. • Natural and human-made water habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, • Recognize weeds that might be a features such as running water, beetles, hummingbirds and other good source of food. For example, pools, ponds, and small containers pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the of water provide drinking and early spring before other flowers bathing opportunities for pollinators. Food: open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have the Baltimore Checkerspot. Flowers provide nectar (high in a shallow or sloping side so the • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest sugar and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in protein) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen fruits also provide Your current landscape probably food for bees, beetles and butterflies. includes many of these elements. Specific plants, known as host Observe wildlife activity in your farm plants, are eaten by the larvae of Shelter : fields, woodlands, and gardens to pollinators such as butterflies. Pollinators need protection from determine what actions you can take • Plant in groups to increase severe weather and from predators to encourage other pollinators to feed pollination efficiency. If a pollinator as well as sites for nesting and and nest. Evaluate the placement of can visit the same type of flower roosting. individual plants and water sources over and over, it doesn’t have to • Incorporate different canopy and use your knowledge of specific relearn how to enter the flower layers in the landscape by planting pollinator needs to guide your choice and can transfer pollen to the same trees, shrubs, and different-sized and placement of additional plants species, instead of squandering the perennial plants. and other habitat elements. Minor pollen on unreceptive flowers. • Leave dead snags for nesting sites changes by many individuals can • Plant with bloom season in mind, of bees, and other dead plants and positively impact the pollinator providing food from early spring to leaf litter for shelter. populations in your area. Watch late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-17) • Build bee boxes to encourage for - and enjoy - the changes in your • Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest landscape! support a variety of pollinators. on your property. Flowers of different color, • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION: Remember that fragrance, and season of bloom to provide ground nesting insects pesticides are largely toxic to on plants of different heights will easy access to underground tunnels. pollinators. Extreme caution is attract different pollinator species • Group plantings so that pollinators warranted if you choose to use and provide pollen and nectar can move safely through the any pesticide. Strategically apply throughout the seasons. landscape protected from predators. pesticides only for problematic • Many herbs and annuals, although • Include plants that are needed target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Far ms

Soybean, alfalfa, melons, apples, weeds can provide needed food for and tomatoes are a few of the food pollinators. “ food supplies for crops in the Eastern Broadleaf • Minimize tillage to protect ground Forest that will benefit from strong nesting pollinators. native bee populations that boost • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical pollination efficiency. Incorporate throughout the landscape. different plants throughout the • Choose a variety of native plants to farm that provide food for native act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, populations when targeted crops and field borders throughout the to maintaining are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that strong hives to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollination pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food the following • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. herbicides. Perhaps the targeted winter .” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterfl ies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “ A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and 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 of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose home. pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you that specialized cultivars sometimes -- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than garden club of America the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some altered plants don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.

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

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, Continental PROVINCE

The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.” Botanical Common Name Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs red, red, Acer spp. Maples greenish greenish yellow yellow Amelanchier spp. service berry white white Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry white white Catalpa speciosa northern catalpa white white white pink to pink to Cercis canadensis eastern redbud lavender lavender Cornus spp. dogwood white white white yellow yellow yellow Lindera benzoin spicebush green green green Physocarpus opulifolius eastern ninebark white white white Prunus pensylvanica black cherry white white yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Rhus spp. sumacs green green green green green yellow yellow yellow yellow Salix spp. willows green green green green Sambucus spp. elderberry white white white yellow yellow yellow yellow Sassafras albidum sassafras green green green green yellow yellow yellow Tilia americana basswood white white white white to white to white to white to Vaccinium spp. blueberry pink pink pink pink Viburnum spp. viburnum white white white white Perennial Flowers red with red with red with Aquilegia canadensis red columbine yellow yellow yellow white, white, white, white, white, Erigeron spp. daisy fleabanes yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Erythronium trout lily yellow yellow yellow americanum pink to pink to pink to Eupatorium spp. joe-pye-weed lavender lavender lavender blue, blue, blue, Gentiana spp. gentians violet violet violet Helianthus spp. sunflowers yellow yellow yellow yellow Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot white white white

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Name Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct white, white, white, white, Viola spp. violets blue, blue, blue, blue, yellow yellow yellow yellow Perennial Flowers continued red, Coreopsis spp. tickseed yellow yellow yellow blue, red, blue red blue yellow blue, blue, blue, Iris spp. iris yellow, yellow, yellow, white white white white, white, white, Lobellia spp. lobelia blue, blue, blue, yellow yellow yellow red, red, red, lavender, lavender, lavender, Monarda spp. beebalm pinkish pinkish pinkish blue blue blue Packera spp. ragworts yellow yellow yellow white, white, white, Penstemon spp. beardtongue light light light violet violet violet white, white, white, white, light light light light Phlox spp. phlox blue, blue, blue, blue, pink pink pink pink black-eyed yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, Rudbeckia spp. Susans brown brown brown brown Solidago spp. goldenrods yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Symphyotrichum spp. aster purple purple purple purple violet, violet, violet, Tradescantia virginiana spiderworts purple purple purple purple, purple, purple, white, white, white, Trillium spp. trillium greenish greenish greenish white, white, white, dark red dark red dark red Vines orange- orange- orange- orange- orange- Campsis radicans trumpet creeper red red red red red Clematis virginiana virgin’s bower white white trumpet orange- orange- orange- Lonicera sempervirens honeysuckle red, red red, red red, red Parthenocissus greenish greenish Virginia creeper quinquefolia white white greenish greenish Vitis spp. grapes yellow yellow

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators i n TH E EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, Continental PROVINCE 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. Flower Visitation by lso a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See Season Pollinators pgs 20-21 Trees & Shrubs red, sun to partial Acer spp. Maples greenish 40-70’ Mar-Apr dry to wet bees X shade yellow sun to partial moist, well Amelanchier spp. service berry white 6-40’ Mar-Apr bees, flies X shade drained Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry white 6-7’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, beetles, flies X sun to partial moist, well Catalpa speciosa northern catalpa white 60-80’ May-July bees, moths X shade drained pink to sun to partial moist, well Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 10-30’ Apr-May bees X lavender shade drained bees, beetles, flies, Cornus alternifolia dogwood white 6-18’ Apr-July sun to shade dry to wet X butterflies yellow Lindera benzoin spicebush 4-6’ Mar-May sun to shade moist butterflies X green Physocarpus sun to partial eastern ninebark white 6-8” May-June dry to wet bees, butterflies X opulifolius shade dry to moist, Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry white 25-40’ May-June sun bees X well drained yellow sun to partial dry to moist, Rhus aromatica aromatic sumac 4-6’ Apr-May butterflies, bees X green shade well drained yellow Salix nigra black willow 12-50’ Apr-June sun to shade moist to wet bees, X green sun to partial Sambucus racemosa red elderberry white 5-7’ May-June dry to wet bees, beetles, flies X shade yellow sun to partial Sassafras albidum sassafras 35-60’ Mar-June dry to wet flies X green shade yellow sun to partial moist, well Tilia americana basswood 80’+ Apr-June bees, flies, moths X white shade drained Vaccinium white to sun to partial dry to moist, cranberry 1-4” Apr-June bees X macrocarpon pink shade well drained Viburnum dry to moist, black haw white 5-12’ Apr-June sun to shade flies, beetles X prunifolium well drained Perennial Flowers shade to partial Actaea racemosa black cohosh white 36-60” June-July moist bees, flies X sun red with partial shade moist, well Aquilegia canadensis red columbine 12-36” Apr-July hummingbirds, bees X yellow to sun drained sun to partial bees, beetles, flies, Asclepias hirtella green milkweed green 12-48” June-Aug dry to wet X shade butterflies Coreopsis spp. tickseeds yellow 12-30” May-Aug sun to partial sun moist to dry bees, butterflies white, bees, butterflies, Erigeron spp. daisy fleabanes 18-30’ May-Sept partial sun to sun moist to wet X yellow moths Erythronium yellow trout lily yellow 3-6” Apr-June shade moist bees americanum

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Visitation by lso a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See Season Pollinators pgs 20-21 Perennial Flowers continued Eupatorium sweet scented joe-pye- pink to partial shade bees, butterflies, 24-72” July-Aug moist to wet X purpureum weed lavender to sun moths creamy Gentiana alba plain gentian 24-36” Aug-Oct partial sun to sun moist bees X white yellow, sun to partial bees, wasps, flies, Helenium autumnale sneezeweed 36-60” July-Sept moist to wet X brown shade butterflies bees, bee flies, Helianthus hirsutus hairy sunflower yellow 48-60” July-Sept sun to partial sun moist to wet wasps, beetles, and X butterflies yellow- sun to partial Heuchera americana alumroot 12-24” May-July moist to dry bees green shade blue, Iris virginica sun to partial Shreve’s iris yellow, 12-36” May-July wet to moist bees var. shrevei shade white pinkish bees, butterflies, Liatris spicata blazing star 24-48” June-July sun to partial sun moist to wet X purple hummingbirds sun to partial Lobellia cardinalis cardinal flower red 24-60” Aug-Oct moist to wet bees, hummingbirds shade partial sun to bees, butterflies, Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells light blue 14-20” May-July moist X shade moths, hummingbirds pinkish sun to partial Monarda punctata spotted beebalm 6-36” May-Sept moist bees, butterflies X white shade bees, flies, butterflies, Packera plattensis prairie groundsel yellow 12-24” May-July sun to shade moist to wet moths white, light sun to partial bees, wasps, Penstemon pallidus pale beardtongue 12-36” May-July moist X violet shade butterflies white, light Phlox bifida cleft phlox 4-12” Apr-May sun to partial sun moist bees, butterflies blue, pink partial sun to bees, butterflies, Polemonium reptans Jacob’s ladder light blue 10-16” May-June moist partial shade moths yellow, sun to partial bees, butterflies, Rudbeckia laciniata cutleaf coneflower 20-120” June-Sept moist to dry X brown shade beetles, wasps bees, butterflies, Solidago speciosa showy goldenrod yellow 12-72” June-Oct sun to shade moist to dry beetles, wasps Symphyotrichum bees, butterflies, heath aster white 6-36’ Aug-Oct sun to partial sun moist to wet X ericoides beetles, wasps Tiarella cordifolia foamflower white 4-14” Apr-May sun to shade moist bees, bee flies Tradescantia violet, spiderworts 12-24” Apr-July sun to shade moist bees virginiana purple partial sun to Trillium flexipes nodding wake robin white 8-16” Apr-May moist beetles, flies, bees partial shade Vines Campsis radicans trumpet creeper orange-red 40’+ June-Oct sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds, bees X Clematis virginiana virgin’s bower white 9’ July-Aug sun to partial sun moist flies, bees Lonicera orange-red, moist, well trumpet honeysuckle 20’+ June-Aug sun to partial sun hummingbirds X sempervirens red drained Parthenocissus greenish Virginia creeper 50’+ May-June sun to shade any bees X quinquefolia white greenish moist, well Vitis aestivalis summer grape 60’+ May-June sun to partial sun bees X yellow drained

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, Contintental PROVINCE

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced F lowers Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x C rops Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain.

Large carpenter bees: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.

Digger bees: Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.

Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “ MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. BUTTERFLIES Males often sleep in the wilted flowers. NEVER FAIL TO Leafcutter bees: Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not CATCH THE just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather. VISITOR’S EYE Mason bees: Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or AND ALWAYS human-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted into cans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. LEAD TO Sweat bees: Bare ground, compacted soil, sunny areas not covered by vegetation. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later. A TEACHABLE

Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. MOMENT.” Yellow-faced bees: -- LOGAN LEE, In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR Andrenid bees: Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These MIDEWIN NATIONAL generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you first get started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow flower that blooms in the fall. n Consult a local field guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details.

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

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

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

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators R e sou r ce s

Many books, websites, and people Native Plants Butterflies and Moths were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, Plant Conservation Alliance starting point to learn more about Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, www.nps.gov/plants pollinators and plants in your area. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Seeds of Success Moths of North America. Bozeman, www.nps.gov/plants/sos MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Information Node. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ Center USDA Forest Service (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.wildflower.org/plants/ ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ Audubon Society Field Guide to Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New Pollination/Pollinators U.S. National Arboretum www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ York, NY. ushzmap.html North American Buterfly Pollinator Partnership Association www.pollinator.org USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org Coevolution Institute Database www.coevolution.org www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 National Plant Data Center, Feedback Natural Resources Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA Conservation Service We need your help to create better www.nrcs.usda.gov guides for other parts of North North American Pollinator America. Please e-mail your input Protection Campaign to [email protected] www.nappc.org Native Bees or fax to 415-362-3070. USDA Forest Service www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ National Sustainable Information Service n How will you use this guide? Wild Farm Alliance “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” www.wildfarmalliance.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture n Do you find the directions The Xerces Society Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA clear? If not, please tell us www.xerces.org Publication #IP126 www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ what is unclear. Illinois Natural History Survey nativebee.html www.inhs.uiuc.edu n Is there any information you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Agriculture Research Service feel is missing from the guide? 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Plants Attractive to Native Bees table Island Press: Washington, DC. www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. n Any other comments? htm?docid=12052 Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Thank you Status of Pollinators in North America for taking The National Academies Press: the time to help! Washington, DC.

Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Continental Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley NAPPC Stephen Buchmann, Ph.D. Katherine McGuire Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

Production Supervision: Katherine McGuire

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Concept review: Plant Conservation Alliance American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette, Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers

Photo Contributers: Tim Dunne, Lara Roketenetz

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinator.org The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign 423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137 24 www.pollinator.org d www.nappc.orgSelecting Plants for Pollinators