sign in sign up
<<
Home , Ceanothus americanus, Coreopsis auriculata, Coreopsis verticillata, Pollinator

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province

Including the States of

Virginia, North Carolina,

South Carolina, ,

Alabama,

and parts of

Tennessee, , ,

and , , NAPPC and Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Southeastern Mixed 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

This is one of several guides for Check list 22 different regions in the . We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future Resources and Feedback 23 guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

Cover: Carolina Satyr courtesy Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Southeastern

Mixed Forest

Province

Including the States of

Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,

Georgia, , Mississippi

and parts of

Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas,

Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Maryland

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the 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).

Southeastern Mixed Forest 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 . 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 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 Peaches, strawberries, , and cauliflower are some of the crops raised in the Southeastern Mixed Forest that rely on and native bees for . Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 are a critical billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated link in our food populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of . 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, use, insufficient , and transportation practices. -- Paul Growald, Currently, the pollination services that the commercial 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 States Forest Service, is a system evergreen forests and a variety of in a series of plant selection tools created as a management tool grasses. A majority of the medium- designed to provide information and is used to predict responses tall to tall are southern yellow on how individuals can influence to land management practices pines. Other include oak, pollinator populations through throughout large areas. This guide gum, hickory, elm, and maple. choices they make when they farm addresses pollinator-friendly land Among the most common grasses a plot of ground, manage large management practices in what is are longleaf uniola, panicums, tracts of public land, or plant a known as the Southeastern Mixed bluestem, and dogwood. The garden. Each of us can have a Forest Province. saltmarsh grass, Spartina, grows positive impact by providing the Segments of eleven states comprise along the West Gulf Coast shore. essential habitat requirements for this 193,000 square mile province Long before there were homes pollinators including food, water, made up of flat coastal , and farms in this area, the original, shelter, and enough space to allow irregular Gulf Coastal Plains, and natural vegetation provided pollinators to raise their young. the Piedmont. More than half of continuous cover and adjacent Pollinators travel through the this area gently slopes to the sea feeding opportunities for wildlife, landscape without regard to with local relief ranging from less including pollinators. In choosing property ownership or state than 100 feet to 1000 feet. The plants, aim to create habitat for boundaries. We’ve chosen to use climate is characterized by hot, pollinators that allow adequate food R.G. Bailey’s classification system humid summers and mild winters. shelter, and water sources. Most to identify the geographic focus Annual temperature ranges from 60° pollinators have very small home of this guide and to underscore to 70°F. Precipitation nearly evenly ranges. You can make a difference the connections between climate distributed throughout the year by understanding the vegetation and vegetation types that affect accounts for a long growing season. patterns of the farm, forest, or the diversity of pollinators in the Annual rainfall ranges from 40 to 60 neighbor’s yard adjacent to you environment. inches. and by making planting choices Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United This province is characterized by that support the pollinators’ need States, developed by the United broadleaf deciduous and needleleaf for food and shelter as they move through the landscape.

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 5 Understanding the southeastern Mixed Forest

n This region is designated number 231 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 193,000 square miles within eleven states.

n Primarily gently sloping forested plains and the Piedmont.

n Elevations ranging from less than 100 to 1,000 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 60° to 70°F.

n Average year-round precipitation between 40-60 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-8b.

Characteristics

n Dominated by forests of broadleaf deciduous and evergreen needleleaf trees and a variety of grasses.

n Common species include shortleaf pine, loblolly pine, winged elm, blackgum, hickory, red maple, and oak. Common grasses include bluestem, dogwood, viburnum, panicums, American beautyberry, and longleaf uniola.

n The majority of habitat has been heavily altered by human activity.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Southeastern “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Mixed Forest Province includes the states of: to improve pollinator habitat makes

Virginia, North Carolina, sense in advancing our family farm’s South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi conservation and economic objectives,

And parts of: enhancing beneficial wildlife and

Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, improving pollination in our orchard and Arkansas, Oklahoma, garden. and Maryland ” --Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts

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

Photo Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland Mike & Davis Kim Photo There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, Carolina Satyr butterfly. native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where butterflies may bask, and moist soil in flight. while others live and work a solitary 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 , , and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, , February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family ) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species . Some of the species in are solitary while others form loose the Southeastern Mixed Forest colonies.

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

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind D o th e Trait Pollinators pr e f e r ? Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Not all pollinators are found Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white and some are more important patches or reduced in different parts of the United States. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent pollinators where you live. guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes effective for that group of plants. Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a . Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Flower Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and pollinator find necessary pollen and shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another.

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

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

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

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

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

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

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

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

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

Southeastern Mixed Forest 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 , 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 and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in ) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen 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 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

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

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterfl ies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

Tallgrass 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 Southeastern Mixed Forest knowledgeable of local pollinators. most of the land has been converted • Provide connectivity between fl owering for human activity, particularly vegetation areas by creating to agriculture, causing extensive corridors of perennials, shrubs, and habitat loss. Less disturbed natural trees that provide pollinators shelter plants. Insect areas can be augmented with and food as they move through the plantings of native plant species. landscape. monitoring Existing plantings around buildings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas and parking areas should be that support recreational needs. provides a key 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 measure of our pollinators. Public land managers open areas. have a unique opportunity to use • Maintain natural meadows and success.” their plantings as an education openings that provide habitats for tool to help others understand sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. -- Logan Lee the importance of pollinators in • Remove invasive species and Prairie Supervisor, Midewin the environment through signs, encroaching shrubs and trees. National Tallgrass Prairie brochures, and public programs.

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “ A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and property provides an essential on web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose home. pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you that specialized 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.

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Southeastern Mixed Forest The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.” Common Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs yellow- yellow- green to green to Aesculus sylvatica Painted Buckeye creamy creamy white white Aralia spinosa Devil’s-walking-stick white white Pawpaw maroon maroon Carya alba Mockernut Hickory americanus Tea white white pinkish- pinkish- pinkish- Cercis canadensis Redbud purple purple purple Chionanthus virginicus Fringe-tree white white Crataegus marshallii Parsley Haw white Crataegus viridis Green Hawthorne white white virginiana Persimmon yellow yellow Fothergilla major Witch-alder white white Hydrangea quercifolia Oak-leaf Hydrangea white white white Ilex opaca American Holly white white white pale yellow pale yellow Magnolia tripetala Umbrella Magnolia to cream to cream Philadelphus hirsutus Hairy Mock-orange white white Rhododendron Piedmont Azalea pink canescens Rhus aromatica Fragrant Sumac white Rosa palustris Swamp Rose pink pink Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry white white Perennial Flowers Amsonia tabermontana Eastern Bluestar blue var. tabermontana Anemone lancifolia Lanceleaf Anemone white white white Eastern Swamp Milkweed pink var. pulchra Baptisia alba var. alba White Wild Indigo white white Baptisia australis Blue Wild Indigo blue blue var. australis Chamaelirium luteum Devil’s-bit white white white Chrysogonum virginianum Green-and-gold yellow yellow yellow var. virginianum

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct golden- golden- golden- golden- Chrysopsis mariana Maryland Golden-aster yellow yellow yellow yellow Clematis ochroleuca Curlyheads white white white light light light Clinopodium georgianum Georgia Savory lavender lavender lavender golden- golden- golden- auriculata Lobed Coreopsis yellow yellow yellow Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf Coreopsis yellow yellow yellow Crinum americanum Swamp Lily white white white Eupatorium Hyssopleaf Eupatorium white white white hyssopifolium lemon lemon lemon lemon Helianthus resinosus Hairy Sunflower yellow yellow yellow yellow Heuchera americana American Alumroot white white white Hexastylis arifolia Little Brown Jugs brown brown rosy- rosy- Liatris microcephala Small-head Blazing-star rosy-pink pink pink rosy- Liatris pilosa var. pilosa Shaggy Blazing-star rosy-pink pink Phlox amoena Hairy Phlox lavender lavender lavender Phlox glaberrima Piedmont Smooth Phlox pink pink pink var. glaberrima Pityopsis graminifolia Grass-leaved Golden- yellow yellow var. latifolia aster lavender lavender Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia blue to blue to white white Saururus cernuus ’s-tail white white Silphium astericus Rosin Weed yellow var. laevicaule Solidago odora Sweet Goldenrod yellow yellow yellow yellow var. odora Tephrosia virginiana Virginia Goat’s-rue pink/yellow pink/yellow pink to pink to Trillium catesbaei Catesby’s Trillium white white Trillium cuneatum Toad Trillium red red Viola walteri Walter’s Violet blue blue blue Centrosema virginianum Spurred Butterfly Pea blue blue blue Clematis viorna Leather-flower blue blue blue blue blue Decumaria barbara Climbing Hydrangea white white Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow Jessamine yellow yellow

Lonicera sempervirens Coral red red red red red purple/ purple/ purple/ Matelea gonocarpos Eastern Anglepod yellow- yellow- yellow- green green green Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower blue blue blue

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators F OR TH E Southeastern Mixed Forest The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.

Botanical Common Color Height Flower Sun Soil Visitation by Also a Name Name Season Pollinator host Trees & Shrubs yellow-green to Aesculus sylvatica Painted Buckeye creamy white 6-25’ April-May shade moist hummingbirds, bees Aralia spinosa Devil’s-walking-stick white 12-15’ June-July sun to partial shade moist to dry butterflies, bees, wasps, flies shade to partial Asimina triloba Pawpaw maroon to 20’ April-May shade moist flies, beetles X shade to partial Carya alba Mockernut Hickory 60-80’ April-May shade dry to moist wind X hummingbirds, butterflies, Ceanothus americanus New Jersey Tea white 3-4’ June-July sun to partial shade dry beetles, bees, wasps, flies X dry to moist, Cercis canadensis Redbud pinkish-purple 15-25’ March-May sun to shade calcium-rich butterflies, bees, flies X dry to moist, well- Chionanthus virginicus Fringe-tree white 12-15’ April-May sun to partial shade drained butterflies, bees X shade to partial Crataegus marshallii Parsley Haw white 15-20’ April shade mesic butterflies X shade to partial Crataegus viridis Green Hawthorne white 20-35’ March-April shade wet to submesic butterflies X yellow, male and Diospyros virginiana Persimmon female 55-60’ May-June sun to partial shade dry to moist bees, butterflies X Fothergilla major Witch-alder white 3-8’ April-May sun to shade dry to moist honeybees Hydrangea quercifolia Oak-leaf Hydrangea white 4-6’ May-July partial shade moist flies, wasps shade to partial Ilex opaca American Holly white 20-45’ April-June shade dry to wet bees X pale yellow to shade to partial Magnolia tripetala Umbrella Magnolia cream to 45’ April-May shade moist beetles X mesic to rocky with Philadelphus hirsutus Hairy Mock-orange white 4-8” April-May shade to partial seepage, calcium- butterflies, shade rich Rhododendron canescens Piedmont Azalea pink 10-15’ April partial shade moist, acidic butterflies, hummingbirds X bees, syrphid flies, Rhus aromatica Fragrant Sumac white 4-6’ April sun to partial shade dry, calcium-rich butterflies X Rosa palustris Swamp Rose pink 5-7’ June-July sun to partial shade wet bees, flies, wasps, butterflies dry to moist, Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry white 6-30’ April-May sun to shade tolerates high butterflies X calcium Perennial Flowers Amsonia tabermontana Eastern Bluestar blue to 36” April shade to partial moist butterflies, hummingbirds, X var. tabermontana shade , moths Anemone lancifolia Lanceleaf Anemone white 12-16” March-May shade moist bees, wasps, flies Asclepias incarnata Eastern Swamp butterflies, hummingbirds, var. pulchra Milkweed pink 3-5’ July-Sept sun moist to wet bees, beetles, wasps, flies X Baptisia alba var. alba White Wild Indigo white 3-5’ May-June sun to partial shade dry butterflies, bumblebees Baptisia australis var. australis Blue Wild Indigo Blue 3-5” April-May sun to partial shade moist butterflies, bees X shade to partial Chamaelirium luteum Devil’s-bit white 18-30” March-May shade mesic beetles, bees Chrysogonum virginianum Green-and-gold yellow 3-8” March-May shade to partial moist to submoist bees, flies var. virginianum shade

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Color Height Flower Sun Soil Visitation by Also a Name Name Season Pollinator host Maryland Golden- Chrysopsis mariana aster golden-yellow 12-18” July-Oct sun to partial shade dry bees X shade to partial Clematis ochroleuca Curlyheads white 20-24” April-June shade dry, calcium rich bees, flies, wasps, butterflies Clinopodium georgianum Georgia Savory light lavender 15-20” July-Sept sun to partial shade dry bees, flies shade to partial Coreopsis auriculata Lobed Coreopsis golden-yellow 4-10” April-June shade moist butterflies, hummingbirds butterflies, syphrid flies, Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf Coreopsis yellow 18-24” May-July sun to partial shade dry honeybees bees, wasps, beetles, flies, Crinum americanum Swamp Lily white 15-24” June-August sun to partial shade wet to moist hawk moths Eupatorium Hyssopleaf hyssopifolium Eupatorium white 18-36” August-Oct sun to partial shade dry butterflies, beetles, bees Helianthus resinosus Hairy Sunflower Lemon yellow 6-9’ June-Sept sun to partial shade dry bees, butterflies shade to partial Heuchera americana American Alumroot white 6-30” April-June shade moist to dry hummingbirds, sweat bees Hexastylis arifolia Little Brown Jugs brown 4-6” March-April shade mesic fungus gnats, beetles Small-head Blazing- Liatris microcephala star rosy-pink 12-15” August-Oct sun dry butterflies, bees Liatris pilosa var. pilosa Shaggy Blazing-star rosy-pink Sept-Oct sun butterflies, bees shade to partial Phlox amoena Hairy Phlox lavender 12-15” April-June shade dry butterflies, hummingbirds Phlox glaberrima Piedmont Smooth shade to partial butterflies, moths, var. glaberrima Phlox pink 30-36” April-June shade moist hummingbirds X Pityopsis graminifolia Grass-leaved var. latifolia Golden-aster yellow 8-15” Sept-Oct sun to partial shade dry bees lavender blue to Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia white 20-36” May-June sun to partial shade dry to dry-mesic butterflies, hummingbirds Saururus cernuus Lizard’s-tail white 36-48” May-June sun to partial shade wet to inundation bees, flies Silphium astericus var. laevicaule Rosin Weed yellow 6-8’ June-August sun to partial shade dry butterflies, bees Solidago odora var. odora Sweet Goldenrod yellow 2-4’ July-Oct sun to partial shade dry butterflies, bees, beetles X Tephrosia virginiana Virginia Goat’s-rue pink/yellow 8-28” May-June sun to partial shade dry butterflies, hummingbirds Trillium catesbaei Catesby’s Trillium pink to white 8-16’ April-June shade moist bees, flies Trillium cuneatum Toad Trillium red 4-12” March-April shade moist beetles, flies shade to partial Viola walteri Walter’s Violet blue 2-4” March-May shade moist , calcium rich butterflies Vines Centrosema virginianum Spurred Butterfly Pea blue 2-3’ June-August partial shade dry to dry-mesic butterflies Clematis viorna Leather-flower blue 6-10’ May-Sept partial shade mesic butterflies, hummingbirds shade to partial Decumaria barbara Climbing Hydrangea white to 30’ May-June shade mesic butterflies Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow Jessamine yellow 10-20’ March-April sun to partial shade moist to dry hummingbirds, butterflies Lonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle red 10-20’ March-July sun to partial shade moist to dry hummingbirds, butterflies X purple/yellow- Matelea gonocarpos Eastern Anglepod green 5-10’ June-August partial shade moist to wet butterflies Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower blue 5-12’ May-July sun to partial shade moist to dry hummingbirds, butterflies X

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Southeastern Mixed Forest

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced FLOWERS Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS Almond x x x 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 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 ) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.

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

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

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

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

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

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

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

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators R e sou r ce s

Many books, websites, and people Committee on the Status of were consulted to gather information Pollinators in North America. 2007. Butterflies and Moths for this guide. Use this list as a Status of Pollinators in North America Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about The National Academies Press: Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, pollinators and plants in your area. Washington, DC. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, Native Plants MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Information Node. Plant Conservation Alliance www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service www.nps.gov/plants (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ of Success ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html www.nps.gov/plants/sos Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Pollination/Pollinators www.wildflower.org/plants/ 2003. Butterflies of North America. Houghton Mifflin. , NY. USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pollinator Partnership www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association U.S. National Arboretum Institute www.naba.org www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ www.coevolution.org ushzmap.html Natural Resources USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Conservation Service Database Feedback www.nrcs.usda.gov www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 North American Pollinator National Plant Data Center, We need your help to create better Protection Campaign Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA guides for other parts of North www.nappc.org America. Please e-mail your input USDA Forest Service Native Bees to [email protected] www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ or fax to 415-362-3070. Wild Farm Alliance National Sustainable Information n www.wildfarmalliance.org Service How will you use this guide? “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” Xerces Society Pollinator Program by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture n Do you find the directions www.xerces.org Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA clear? If not, please tell us Shepherd, MD, S. Buchmann, Publication #IP126 what is unclear. M. Vaughan, and S. Black. www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ 2003. Pollinator Conservation nativebee.html n Is there any information you Handbook. Xerces Society for feel is missing from the guide? Invertebrate Conservation. Portland, OR. Agriculture Research Service Plants Attractive to Native Bees table n Any other comments? Natural History Survey www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. www.inhs.uiuc.edu htm?docid=12052 Thank you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Christopher O’Toole and Anthony for taking 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Raw. 1999. Bees of the World. the time to help! Island Press: Washington, DC. Blandford. London, UK.

Southeastern Mixed Forest Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz

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

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

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

Photo Contributor: Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland, http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

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