Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Fraser Plateau ecoregion

Williams Lake,

Anahim Lake, Smithers,

Vanderhoof,

100 Mile House Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Fraser Plateau 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Plants That Attract Pollinators 16

Habitat hints 22

Habitat and Nesting requirements 23

S.H.A.R.E. 24

This is one of several guides for Checklist 24 different regions of North America. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides Notes 26 useful. Please contact us at [email protected] Resources and Feedback 27

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Guide for

Gardeners, Farmers,

and Land Managers

In the

Fraser Plateau

Ecoregion

Williams Lake,

Anahim Lake,

Smithers,

Vanderhoof,

100 Mile House

A NAPPC and Pollinator Partnership Canada™ Publication

Fraser Plateau 3 Why support pollinators?

N THEIR BOOK THE FORGOTTEN POLLINATORS, Buchmann and I 1996 , Flowering plants Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “ of 90% of fl owering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us across wild, with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life. farmed and even Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases urban landscapes production per hectare. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. The Fraser Plateau encompasses the Interior Plateau and foothills of the Coast Mountains of central British Columbia. Much actually feed the of this area is remote and extensively forested. The region contains a large diversity of native plants that rely on native bees, including bumble bees, and non-native bees, such as honey bees, for seed and fruit production. terrestrial world, British Columbia supports over 450 native species of bees! Unfortunately, the numbers of many native pollinators are declining. They and pollinators are threatened by habitat loss, disease, climate change, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. As a result research and conservation actions supporting native pollinators are increasingly active. Honey bee are the great colony losses have signifi cantly impacted beekeepers. Parasites, disease, pesticide use, insuffi cient nutrition, and transportation practices all impact honey bee health, and this in turn can impact the commercial pollination connectors who services honey bees provide. The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their enable this giant 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 food system to for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world. work for all who Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you eat... Including us.” can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them.

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

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS JUST to land management practices used to improve pollinator habitats ONE in a series of plant selection throughout large areas. This guide where they are lacking. tools designed to provide you with addresses pollinator-friendly land information on how to plant local management practices in what Long before there were homes native plants for pollinators. Each is known as the Fraser Plateau and farms in the Fraser Plateau of us can have a positive impact ecoregion. The Fraser Plateau ecoregion, natural vegetation by providing the essential habitat ecoregion is dominated by forest provided essential opportunities requirements for pollinators land with sparse population and for wildlife, including pollinators. including food, water, shelter, and small communities. Agricultural Farmers, land managers, and enough space to raise their young. production is limited in this gardeners in this region have ecoregion, with only approximately a wide palette of plants to use Pollinators travel through the 5% of the Fraser Plateau being in the landscape. In choosing landscape without regard to farmland. While climate restricts plants, aim to create habitat for property ownership or provincial some land uses, many soils are pollinators that allow adequate food, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use productive and support diverse shelter, and water sources. Most the ecoregional classifi cation system activities. pollinators have very small home and to underscore the connections ranges. You will make a difference between climate and vegetation The seasonal cycle of sun and shade by understanding the vegetation types that affect the diversity of within the forests has created a patterns on the farm, forest, or pollinators in the environment. changing pattern of bloom time for neighbour’s yard adjacent to your food plants and shelter needs for property. With this information in The Canadian ecoregions are foraging, nesting, and migrating hand, your planting choices will based on the National Ecological pollinators. Farms and residential better support the pollinators’ need Framework Report. The National areas provide a diverse range of soil for food and shelter as they move Ecological Framework for Canada types in both sunny and shady areas. through the landscape. is a system created as a management With this diversity of locations many tool and is used to predict responses different species of plants may be

Fraser Plateau 5 Understanding the Fraser Plateau

n The Fraser Plateau is part of the larger Montane Cordillera Ecozone and encompasses the Interior Plateau and interior foothills of the Coast Mountains of central British Columbia, from François Lake in the northwest to Bonaparte Lake in the southeast. The total population of the ecoregion is approximately 69,400. n Not sure about which region you live or work in? Go to www. pollinator.org/guides and click on Ecoregion Locator for help. n Topography of the region is characterized by a broad, rolling plateau, underlain by fl at or gently sloping basaltic lava fl ows. n Mean annual temperature is approximately 3°C with a mean summer temperature of 12.5°C and a mean winter temperature of -7°C. n Mean annual precipitation ranges from 250-600 mm, with the highest levels of precipitation occurring at higher elevations along the Chilcotin Ranges. n Sub-continental climate, cold winters and warm summers characterize the region. Cold Arctic air frequents the entire ecoregion in winter and spring.

Characteristics n Vegetation is diverse, representing an integration of vegetation patterns from the wet forests of the Coast, the dry southern interior forests to the south, and the cold Boreal forests to the north. n Encompasses white spruce, lodgepole pine, trembling aspen, and Photo: Rahul-Aggarwal Douglas-fi r forests. Subalpine elevations support Engelmann spruce and alpine fi r. n Alpine tundra vegetation occurs on the summits of the Quanchus Range south of Ootsa Lake and the shield volcanoes of the Ilgachuz and Itcha ranges. n In southern areas, the lowest vegetation zone in the Fraser River badlands is grassland. Common plants include big sagebrush, rabbit-brush, bluebunch wheatgrass, needlegrasses, pasture sage, and sand dropseed. n Habitat fragmentation by various anthropogenic land-use activities is a concern for species that need habitat connectivity. n Agriculture is predominately ranching and forage; often called “cowboy country”, cattle production is this region’s mainstay, along with small-scale mixed agriculture.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Montane Cordillera Ecoregions 198 Skeena Moutains 199 Omineca Mountains 200 Central Canadian Rocky Mountains 201 Bulkley Ranges 202 Fraser Plateau 203 Fraser Basin 204 Chilcotin Ranges 205 Columbia Mountains and Highlands 206 Western Continental Ranges 207 Eastern Continental Ranges 208 Interior Transition Ranges 209 Thompson-Okanagan Plateau 210 Okanagan Range 211 Okanagan Highland 212 Selkirk-Bitterroot Foothills 213 Southern Rocky Mountain Trench 214 Northern Continental Divide

Fraser Plateau includes: Williams Lake Anahim Lake Smithers Vanderhoof and 100 Mile House

Fraser Plateau 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the wide range of plant types from May to pollinators? September and are important pollinators of tomatoes and blueberries. Sweat Bees bees (family Halictidae) are medium to Bees are the best documented small-sized, slender bees that commonly pollinators in the natural and nest underground. Various species are agricultural landscapes in Canada, solitary while others form loose colonies, including the Fraser Plateau ecoregion. nesting side-by-side. Other common A wide range of wild and crop plants, solitary bees include mining bees, including plants in the Aster and Rose (Andrena spp.), which nest underground families, agricultural crop, specialty and are common in the spring; leaf- crop, and some forage crops, all benefi t cutter bees (Megachile spp.), which from bee pollinators. prefer dead trees or branches for their nest sites; and mason bees (Osmia spp.), Most of us are familiar with the which utilize cavities they fi nd in stems colonies of honey bees that have and dead wood that they fi ll with mud. been the workhorses of agricultural pollination for years in Canada. They were imported from Europe almost 400 Butterfl ies years ago and continue to be managed Butterfl ies prefer open and sunny areas for honey production and pollination such as meadows and along woodland services. There are over 800 species of edges that provide bright fl owers, water native ground and twig nesting bees sources, and specifi c host plants for in Canada, and over 400 in British their caterpillars. Gardeners have been Photo: ChristinaPrinn Columbia. Most of these bee species live attracting butterfl ies to their gardens Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus a solitary life; a minority are social and for some time. To encourage butterfl ies rufus) is a breeding resident in the form colonies or nest in aggregations. place fl owering plants where they have Fraser Plateau ecoregion. Native bees visit and pollinate many full sun and are protected from the crops; in many cases they are better at wind. They usually look for fl owers transferring pollen than honey bees. that provide a good landing platform. Our native bees can be encouraged Butterfl ies need open areas (e.g., bare to do more to support agricultural earth, large stones) where they can bask, endeavours if their needs for nesting and moist soil from which they wick habitat are met and if suitable sources of needed minerals. Butterfl ies eat rotten nectar, pollen, and water are provided. fruit and even dung, so don’t clean up all Canadian Tiger Swallowtails. Bees come in a variety of body shapes the messes in your garden! By providing and sizes, and even have tongues of a safe place to eat and nest, gardeners different lengths. Native bees visit the can also support the pollination role that widest range of fl owers and crops of any butterfl ies play in the landscape. British pollinator group. Columbia has the largest diversity of butterfl ies in Canada, with 187 known There are over 35 species of bumble bees species, with over 184 species in British in BC. Bombus nevadensis is our largest; Columbia! Some of the butterfl ies and Bombus insularis is a cleptoparasitic that have been found in the Fraser bee (Cockoo Bee), laying her eggs in Plateau ecoregion include the Canadian other bumble bee nests. Bumble bees Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis), Clouded (Bombus spp.) form small colonies, Sulphur (Colias philodice), Spring usually underground making use of old Azure (Cela strina), Silver-bordered rodent burrows or dense thatches. They Fritillary (Colaria selene), and Milberts are generalists, feeding on a Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti). Photo: milehightraveler

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Moths Species at Risk habitats, but are also economically Moths are most easily distinguished Species at Risk (SAR) are ones whose important as pollinators for a range of from butterfl ies by their antennae. survival is endangered, threatened, or annual and bulbous ornamental fl owers. Butterfl y antennae are simple with a of special concern. Some pollinator Plants pollinated by fl ies include swelling at the end. Moth antennae species such as the Karner Blue American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), differ from simple to featherlike, butterfl y have already been extirpated skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), but never have a swelling at the tip. from some regions in Canada. The goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and members Butterfl y bodies are not very hairy, Viceroy butterfl y (Limenitis archipuss) of the carrot family (Daucus spp.). while moth bodies are quite hairy used to be common throughout the and much more stout. In addition, southern Interior of British Columbia is butterfl ies typically are active during Birds a red-listed taxon in BC and is thought the day; moths at night. They are to be extirpated. Other species that Hummingbirds are the primary birds attracted to fl owers that are strongly were once common have become rare, that play a role in pollination in North sweet smelling, open in late afternoon such as the yellow-banded bumble America. Their long beaks and tongues or night, and are typically white or pale bee (Bombus terricola). Because habitat draw nectar from tubular fl owers. coloured. loss is one of the largest threats facing Pollen is carried on both their beaks pollinators, the very best thing you can and feathers. Regions closer to the do is plant for them. Beetles tropics, with warmer climates, boast the largest number of hummingbird There are more than 9000 species species and the greatest number of of beetles in Canada and many of Yellow-banded Bumble Bee native plants to support their need them can be found easily by looking • The yellow-banded bumble bee for food. A number of hummingbirds inside fl ower heads. Gardeners have (Bombus terricola) was historically spend the summer in British Columbia. yet to intentionally draw beetles to found throughout much of Canada, Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus their gardens, possibly because beetle including parts of eastern British rufus) are breeding residents and can watching isn’t as inspiring as butterfl y Columbia in the south and central be found throughout the Fraser Plateau or bird watching. Yet beetles do play interior. It used to be one of the ecoregion, as well as other areas in BC. a role in pollination. Some have a bad most common bumble bee species in reputation because they can leave a Hummingbirds can see the colour Canada within its range. mess behind, damaging plant parts as red; bees cannot. Many tropical • It has declined signifi cantly in they eat pollen. Beetle pollinated plants fl owers, grown as annuals, along with areas of southern Canada, possibly tend to be large, strong scented fl owers native woodland edge plants, attract due to pathogens that transferred and have the anthers and stigma hummingbirds. exposed. Beetles are known to pollinate from managed bumble bees to magnolia, American pawpaw, and Bats wild populations, habitat loss, and yellow pond lilies. pesticide use. Though bat species in Canada • It was designated with a Flies are not pollinators, bats in the COSEWIC status of ‘Special southwestern United States and Concern’ in 2015, a Provincial It may be hard to imagine why one status of ‘Special Concern’ in 2016, Mexico are important pollinators of would want to attract fl ies to the and a Federal status of ‘Special garden. However, fl ies are one of the agave and cactus. The head shape Concern’ under the Species at Risk most diverse group of pollinators. and long tongues of nectar bats Act in 2018. They include colouful fl ower fl ies and allows them to delve into fl ower • Typically, this species occurs in hover fl ies (Syrphidae), active bee fl ies blossoms and extract both pollen (Bombyliidae), and tiny midges that visit the gap areas where the western and nectar; pollen covers their hairy many plant species. Like bees, fl ies are bumble bee is not found (also a hairy and can easily transport pollen bodies and is transfer as they move once common, but becoming more from fl ower to fl ower. Flies primarily from plant to plant. rare species found throughout pollinate small fl owers that bloom under western North America). shade and in seasonally moist

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

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

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

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

Nectar Present Absent Absent Nectar Present Absent Absent Absent Guides Guides None to Fresh, mild, Strong sweet; strongly fruity None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odour pleasant Odour emitted at night or fetid

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

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

Shallow; Narrow tube with Shallow; funnel like have landing Large funnel Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower Large bowl-like Flower spur; wide or complex platform; like; cups without a lip stigmas exerted Shape Shape landing pad and trap-like tubular

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

Fraser Plateau 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER of chives, parsley and lavender are by butterfl ies during their larval many hectares, land manager of a just a few herbs that can be planted. development. large tract of land, or a gardener Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and with a small lot, you can increase the single sunfl owers support bees and Water: number of pollinators in your area by butterfl ies. Non-native crops, herbs, Some pollinators use and benefi t making conscious choices to include and ornamental fl owers should only from having a clean, fresh water plants that provide essential habitat be planted in gardens. source. for bees, butterfl ies, moths, beetles, • Recognize weeds that might be a • Most pollinators receive their hummingbirds, and other pollinators. good source of food. For example, water needs through their food or dandelions provide nectar in the early by other means (eg. butterfl ies wick Food: spring before other fl owers open. their nutrients from muddied waters, Flowers provide nectar (high in • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest or fermenting fruit) making clean sugar and necessary amino acids) Management (IPM) practices to water a non-essential component. and pollen (high in protein) to address pest concerns. Minimize or • If you do include a water source, pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. ensure that the source has a shallow Fermenting fallen fruits also provide or sloping side so the pollinators can food for bees, beetles, and butterfl ies. Shelter: easily approach the water without Specifi c plants, known as host Pollinators need protection from drowning. plants, are eaten by the larvae of severe weather and from predators as Your current landscape probably pollinators such as butterfl ies. well as sites for nesting and roosting. includes many of these elements. • Plant in groups to increase • Incorporate different canopy Observe wildlife activity in your pollination effi ciency. If a pollinator layers in the landscape by planting farm fi elds, woodlands, and gardens can visit the same type of fl ower trees, shrubs, and different-sized to determine what actions you can over and over, it doesn’t have to perennial plants. take to encourage other pollinators relearn how to enter the fl ower • Leave dead snags for nesting sites to feed and nest. Evaluate the and can transfer pollen to the same of bees, and other dead plants and placement of individual plants species, instead of squandering the leaf litter for shelter. and water sources and use your pollen on unreceptive fl owers. • Avoid applying thick layers of knowledge of specifi c pollinator • Plant with bloom season in mind, mulch that are hard to dig through. needs to guide your choice and providing food from early spring to • Build bee boxes to encourage placement of additional plants and late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16- solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest other habitat elements. Minor 19). on your property. changes by many individuals can • Plant a diversity of plants to • Ground nesting bees are also positively impact the pollinator support a variety of pollinators. attracted to lawns and short grass populations in your area. Watch Flowers of different colour, areas, especially if there is a south for - and enjoy - the changes in your fragrance, and season of bloom facing slope. landscape! on plants of different heights will • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION LAND MANAGERS: attract different pollinator species to provide ground nesting insects Remember that many insecticide and provide pollen and nectar easy access to underground tunnels. are largely toxic to pollinators. throughout the seasons. • Group plantings so that pollinators Extreme caution is warranted if • Many herbs and annuals, although can move safely through the you choose to use any insecticide. not native, are very good for landscape protected from predators. Strategically apply insecticides only pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, • Include plants that are needed for problematic target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Farmers have many opportunities aren’t active (after dark or just • Choose a variety of native plants to to incorporate pollinator-friendly before dawn) and choose targeted act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, land management practices on their ingredients. and fi eld borders throughout the land which will benefi t the farmer • Use of Integrated Pest farm. in achieving his or her production Management (IPM) strategies to • Plant unused areas of the farm goals. control is highly recommended. with temporary cover crops that Many tree fruit, berry, and Use insecticides that cause the least can provide food or with a variety vegetable crops are grown in British harm to non-target organisms and of trees, shrubs, and fl owers that Columbia, and they will benefi t only use when pests reach economic provide both food and shelter for from strong native bee populations thresholds. pollinators. that boost pollination effi ciency. • Use herbicides only when essential • Check with local not-for-profi t Incorporate different plants to get a viable crop. Some weeds can organizations or government throughout the farm that provide provide needed food for pollinators. agencies to see what technical food for native populations when • Till as little as possible to protect support might be available to assist targeted crops are not in fl ower. ground nesting pollinators. you in your effort to provide nectar, • Whenever possible, create pollen, and larval food sources for • Minimize the use of insecticides permanently untilled areas for pollinators on your farm. to reduce the impact on native ground nesting bees (e.g. such as pollinators. Spray when bees along internal farm laneways). Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert

Fraser Plateau 13 Public Lands

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

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

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

Fraser Plateau 15 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Fraser Plateau

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.

Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Trees and Shrubs sun to Adoxaceae moist bees, Sambucus racemosa Red Elderberry 1-6m white June-July partial (Honeysuckle) to wet hummingbirds shade dry, bees, August- Asteraceae (Aster) Ericameria nauseosa Rabbitbrush 1.0m yellow sun well butterfl ies, September drained fl ies sun to Berberidaceae tall Oregon- dry to bees, Mahonia aquifolium 0.5-2.5m yellow March-April partial (Barberry) grape moist butterfl ies shade Caprifoliaceae purple & bees, other Lonicera involucrata Black Twinberry 0.5-5m May-June sun moist (Valerian) yellow insects sun to Symphoricarpos Common pale pink- dry to bees, 0.5-3m March-May partial X albus Snowberry white moist butterfl ies shade sun to moist, Red-Osier greenish- Cornaceae (Dogwood) Cornus sericea 2-4m March-April partial well butterfl ies X Dogwood white shade drained sun to up to bees, other Cornus canadensis Bunchberry white April-May partial moist 0.25m insects shade Elaeagnus Silverberry or silvery dry to Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster) up to 3m May-June sun bees commutata Wolf-willow yellow moist partial dry, Shepherdia Buffaloberry 1-2m yellowish March-May to full well bees canadensis shade drained sun to Arctostaphylos uva- 0.05- bees, Ericaceae (Crowberry) Kinnikinnick pale pink March-May partial dry X ursi 0.15m butterfl ies shade partial Ledum 0.3-0.8 moist Labrador Tea white May-July sun to bees, fl ies groenlandicum m to wet shade Vaccinium up to white to moist bees, Dwarf Blueberry May-July sun X caespitosum 0.3m pinkish to wet butterfl ies sun to Vaccinium Black up to white to dry to bees, June-July partial membranaceum Huckleberry 1.5m pinkish moist butterfl ies shade sun to Grossulariaceae Northern moist bees, other Ribes hudsonianum 0.5-2m white May partial (Currant) Blackcurrant to wet insects shade bees, Plantaginaceae Penstemon Shrubby 0.15- blue- dry to butterfl ies, April-May sun (Mare’s-tail) fruticosus Penstemon 0.40m lavender moist fl ies, hummingbirds

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host sun to Amelanchier moist Rosaceae (Rose) Saskatoon 1-5m white April partial bees, fl ies X alnifolia to dry shade dry to bees, creamy moist, Prunus emarginata Bittercherry 2-15m April-May sun butterfl ies, X white well moths drained partial Prunus parvifl orus Thimbleberry 0.5-2 m white May-July sun to moist bees, fl ies shade dry to sun to bees, creamy moist, Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6-10m March-May partial butterfl ies, X white well shade moths drained sun, partial dry to bees, other Rosa acicularis Prickly Rose 1-3m pink May-June shade to moist insects shade sun, partial dry to Rosa woodsii Wood’s Rose 2m deep pink May bees shade to moist shade sun to White Meadow- dry to bees, other Spiraea betulifolia 0.2-0.9m white May-July partial sweet moist insects shade sun to moist, Hardhack; Pink up to pale pink Spiraea douglasii July-August partial well bees Spirea 1.5m to rose shade drained sun to up to creamy wet to Salicaceae (Willow) Salix bebbiana Bebb’s Willow March-April partial bees 10m yellow moist shade sun to Grey-leaved greenish wet to Salix glauca up to 3m May-June partial bees Willow yellow moist shade sun to Salix False Mountain greenish 1-6m March-April partial moist bees pseudomonticola Willow yellow shade sun to moist, up to Salix scouleriana Scouler’s Willow greenish March-April partial well bees X 10m shade drained sun to Sapindaceae Acer glabrum var. yellow- dry to Douglas Maple 1-10m April-May partial bees (Horse-chestnut) douglasii green moist shade Forbs - Non-woody Flowering Plants bees, Amaryllidaceae Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 0.3m pink March-May sun dry butterfl ies, (Amaryllis) hummingbirds

continued on page 18

Fraser Plateau 17 continued from page 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Fraser Plateau

Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host partial Apiaceae moist Heracleum lanatum Cow Parsnip 1-3 m white May-July shade - bees, fl ies (Carrot) to wet shade bees, beetles, Asteraceae (Aster) Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow 0.75m white-pink April-July sun dry X butterfl ies sun to Anaphalis up to white & dry to bees, Pearly Everlasting June-July partial margaritacea 0.9m yellow moist butterfl ies shade sun to Balsamorhiza Arrow-leaved 0.4-1.2m yellow March-April partial dry bees, fl ies sagittata Balsamroot shade bees, beetles, Slender 0.15- Crepis atribarba yellow May-July sun dry butterfl ies, Hawksbeard 0.7m fl ies sun to bees, August- dry to Erigeron speciosus Showy Fleabane 0.4-0.8m pale purple partial butterfl ies, September moist shade fl ies August- dry to bees, Eurybia conspicua Showy Aster up to 1m violet sun X September moist butterfl ies bees, beetle (soft-winged yellow to Gaillardia aristata Blanketfl ower 0.2-0.7m May-October sun dry fl ower beetle orange Listrus senilis), butterfl ies Western Canada 0.3- August- dry to bees, other Solidago lepida yellow sun Goldenrod 1.65m October moist insects Spike-like 0.05- August- dry to bees, other Solidago simplex yellow sun Goldenrod 0.8m October moist insects Western 0.05- blue or dry to bees, other Lappula redowskii May-June sun Stickseed 0.4m white mesic insects Lithospermum bees, other Lemonweed 0.2-0.6m white May-June sun dry ruderale insects blue partial Mertensia Tall Bluebell; 0.2-1.5 (sometimes June-July shade to moist bumble bees paniculata Northern Bluebell m pink, white) shade bees, Mountain Forget- July- Myosotis asiatica 0.1-0.3m bright blue sun moist butterfl ies, me-not September fl ies, moths orange- sun to Brittle Prickly- 0.05- bees, other Cactaceae (Cactus) Opuntia fragilis tinged May-July partial moist pear Cactus 0.2m insects yellow shade Spreading 0.05- late June- bees, other Crassulaceae (Sedum) Sedum divergens yellow sun dry Stonecrop 0.15m July insects Lance-leaved 0.05- late June- bees, other Sedum lanceolatum yellow sun dry Stonecrop 0.25m July insects

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host Timber Milk- whitish dry to bees, Fabaceae (Pea) Astragalus miser 0.1-0.4m April-June sun X vetch purple moist butterfl ies Robbins’ Milk- whitish bees, Astragalus robbinsii 0.2-0.7m April-June sun moist vetch purple butterfl ies white to sun to dry to Lathyrus ochroleucus Creamy Peavine 0.3-1 m yellowish June-July partial bees moist white shade sun to moist bees, bluish Lupinus arcticus Arctic lupine 0.2-0.6m April-May partial to butterfl ies, purple shade mesic hummingbirds bluish sun to purple to dry to Vicia americana American Vetch 0.15-1 m June-August partial bees reddish moist shade purple bees, Bicknell’s 0.05- bluish Geraniaceae (Geranium) Geranium bicknellii March-May sun moist butterfl ies, Geranium 0.6m purple hummingbirds sun to mesic bees, Northern bluish Geranium erianthum 0.2-0.8m June partial to butterfl ies, Geranium purple shade moist hummingbirds sun to mesic bees, Geranium Richardson’s 0.2-0.8m light purple April-May partial to butterfl ies, richardsonii Geranium shade moist hummingbirds pinkish sun to bees, Geranium 0.25- mesic Sticky Geranium purple to April-May partial butterfl ies, viscosissimum 0.9m to dry lavender shade hummingbirds Hydrophyllaceae Silverleaf creamy bees, other Phacelia hastata 0.2-0.5m April-May sun dry (Waterleaf) Phacelia white insects Three-leaved lavender- dry to bees, beetles, Phacelia linearis 0.1-0.5m March-May sun Phacelia blue moist fl ies 0.15- Linaceae (Flax) Linum lewisii Lewis Blue Flax bright blue June-August sun dry bees, fl ies 0.6m bees, June- Loasaceae (Loasa) Mentzelia laevicaulis Blazing-star 0.3-1m yellow sun dry butterfl ies, September moths Onagraceae Chamaenerion purplish- dry to bees, Fireweed 1-3m June-August sun (Evening Primrose) angustifolium pink moist hummingbirds sun to Orobanchaeceae Common Red Castilleja miniata 0.8m red April-May partial dry bees (Broom-rape) Paintbrush shade bees, Plantaginaceae (Mare’s- up to deep blue butterfl ies, Penstemon procerus Little Penstemon June-August sun dry tail) 0.25m lavender fl ies, hummingbirds

continued on page 20

Fraser Plateau 19 continued from page 19 Plants that attract pollinators in THE Fraser Plateau

Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host dry, Polygonaceae Eriogonum Parsnip-fl owered orange- bees, beetles, 0.4m April-June sun well X (Buckwheat) heracleoides Buckwheat pink butterfl ies drained sun to Douglas’ dry to bees, other Polygonum douglasii 0.1-0.4m white July-August partial X Knotweed moist insects shade orange-red sun to normal bees, Ranunculaceae up to sepals; Aquilegia formosa Sitka Columbine March-April partial to butterfl ies, (Buttercup) 0.5m yellow shade moist hummingbirds inner petals Delphinium bees, Upland Larkspur 0.4m deep blue March-April sun dry nuttallianum hummingbirds sun to up to moist bees, other Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry white April-May partial 0.3m to dry insects shade sun to Large-leaved bees, other Geum macrophyllum 0.3-1m yellow May-June partial moist Avens insects shade sun to Old Man’s pink-pale bees, other Geum trifl orum 0.2-0.4m March-April partial dry Whiskers lavender insects shade sun to Common 0.05- bees, beetles, Potentilla anserina yellow April-May partial moist Silverweed 0.25m fl ies shade sun to bees, Slender moist Potentilla gracilis 0.4m yellow June-July partial butterfl ies, Cinquefoil to dry shade other insects sun to up to reddish Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil June-July partial wet bees, fl ies 1 m purple shade Northern creamy moist Rubiaceae (Madder) Galium boreale 0.2-0.8m April-May sun fl ies, beetles Bedstraw white to dry Nectar sun to source for Saxifragaceae Round-leaf white- Heuchera cylindrica 0.3-0.5m May-July partial dry hummingbirds (Saxifrage) Alumroot cream shade and pollinator insects Symphyotrichum 0.25- August- dry to bees, Lindley’s Aster pale blue sun X ciliolatum 1.0m September moist butterfl ies Symphyotrichum Tufted White August- bees, 1m white sun dry X ericoides Prairie Aster October butterfl ies sun to Urtica dioica spp. Native Stinging moist bees, Urticaceae (Nettle) 1-3m whiteish July-August partial X Gracilis Nettle to wet butterfl ies shade

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also Family Botanical Name Common Height Flower Flower Sun Soil Pollinators a Name Colour Season host sun to 0.02- dry to bees, Violaceae (Violet) Viola adunca Sand Violet violet April-June partial X 0.1m moist butterfl ies shade sun to dry to bees, Viola canadensis Canada Violet 0.1-0.4m white April-June partial X moist butterfl ies shade sun to mesic 0.05- bees, Viola glabella Stream Violet yellow April-May partial to X 0.3m butterfl ies shade moist sun to mesic Round-leaved 0.03- bees, Viola orbiculata yellow April-May partial to X Violet 0.05m butterfl ies shade moist sun to Alpine Marsh 0.05- whitish moist bees, Viola palustris April-May partial X Violet 0.2m purple to wet butterfl ies shade Vines sun to Ranunculaceae Western Blue bluish dry to Clematis occidentalis up to 2m May-June partial bees, fl ies (Buttercup) Virginsbower purple moist shade Shelter Plants sun to Dryopteridaceae Athyrium fi lix- moist Lady Fern 0.3-1.8m partial (Wood Fern) femina to wet shade sun to Dryopteris expansa Spiny Wood Fern up to 1m partial moist shade dry, Poaceae (Grass) Elymus cinereus Giant Wildrye 1-3m sun well- X drained Needle-and- Hesperostipa comata 0.2-0.5m sun dry X Thread Grass dry, Koeleria macrantha Junegrass 0.2-0.5m sun well- X drained dry, Nectar source Pseudoroegneria Bluebunch up to 1m sun well- for Skipper & X spicata Wheatgrass drained Satyr butterlies

Fraser Plateau 21 Habitat Hints FOR THE Fraser Plateau

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 Penstemon x x x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunfl owers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x CROPS Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry 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

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Honey Bees: Honey bees are colonial cavity nesters. Occasionally in the spring and summer you might encounter a swarm of honey bees on the move to a new home. In Canada the majority of honey bees are managed by beekeepers in hives. Beekeepers with commercial operations can have bee yards with tens to hundreds of hives commonly in agricultural, rural and some natural habitats. In urban and garden settings, it is common to see a single or a handful of honey bee hives – usually wooden boxes painted white or other light colours. Give honey bees space and don’t approach their hive. Even beekeepers minimize the amount of time they spend working bees. Honey bees have different feeding needs than native bees. Their colony can last multiple years and they feed on fl owers from the beginning of spring bloom to the fall. Honey bees visit crops when they are in bloom and forage on a diversity of wildfl owers as well. Honey bees also need plants that produce a large amount of nectar to make honey. Clovers, lavenders, mints, and sages are great nectar sources. Honey bees also like to feed off of the pollen of trees and shrubs such as maples, willows, and roses. Fields of goldenrod are an excellent pollen source. Bumble Bees: Bumble bees nest in cavities such as abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down fl ower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring. The number of workers in a colony can grow to upward of 400 at the peak of summer bloom. Bumble bee colonies die out in the fall after producing new queens. New queens mate and then overwinter, hiding underground, in cracks, or small crevices. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even fl ying in light rain. Large carpenter bees: Large carpenter bees chew nests into dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs. The also make nests in structural timbers including redwood and cedar. 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 and coolest weather. Digger bees: Digger bees can be found nesting in sandy, compacted soils, and along stream banksides. These bees are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times of the day as well. To attract these bees have some areas of exposed soil in your garden and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Small carpenter bees: Small carpenter bees chew into pithy stems, including roses and blackberry canes, where they make their nests. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. Squash and Gourd bees: Squash and gourd bees prefer to nest in sandy soil but also may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown). These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in wilted squash fl owers. Leaf-cutting bees: Leaf-cutting bees nest in pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead wood created by emerging beetles. Some also nest in the ground. Leafcutter bees line and cap their nests with leaves or fl ower petals. These bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in very hot weather. Mason bees: Mason bees use pre-existing tunnels of various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or human-made nesting substrates such as drilled wood blocks or cardboard tubes. These bees get their name from the fact that they cap their nests with mud. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. Sweat bees: Sweat bees need bare ground in sunny areas not covered by vegetation for nesting. Some will nest in small pre-existing holes, much like leaf-cutting or mason bees. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later in the day. To help these bees nest, keep some parts of your garden exposed and avoid applying thick layers of mulch that are hard to dig through. Plasterer or cellophane bees: Plasterer or cellophane bees get their name from the unique, clear waterproof lining they make around their nest. Similar to sweat bees they prefer bare ground, stream banks or slopes. These bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. Yellow-faced bees: Yellow-faced bees are tiny, hairless bees that make their nesting by chewing into small dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. Mining bees: Mining bees prefer sunny, bare ground, and sand soil. They are also known to nest under leaf litter or in the soil along banksides and cliffs. Mining bees are active in the spring and most commonly seen on fl owers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant.

Fraser Plateau 23 A Basic Checklist

S.H.A.R.E. - simply Have areas reserved for the environment. n Planting for pollinators is the fi rst step. Put your pollinator habitat on the S.H.A.R.E. map and connect to pollinator conservation efforts across North America. Visit pollinator.org/SHARE n Farmers can also certify their habitat with Bee-Friendly Farming. Visit pollinator.org/bff

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. n Take part in citizen science monitoring and get involved in local programs. n Consult a local fi eld 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 fl owers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for larval development. n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help.

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

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

24 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a starting point to learn more about pollinators and Native Plants plants in your area. Native Plant Society of British Columbia www.npsbc.ca Ecoregion profi le E Flora BC Environment Canada Ecozones Program—Fraser Plateau www.efl ora.bc.ca/ http://www.ecozones.ca/english/region/202.html Royal BC Museum Native Government of BC, Ministry of Environment Plant Garden http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecology/ecoregions/humidtemp.html#coast www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Ministry of Environment Pollination/Pollinators British Columbia www.env.gov.bc.ca/ Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org Feedback

North American Pollinator Protection Campaign We need your help to create better www.nappc.org guides for other parts of North America. Please e-mail your input Pollination Canada to [email protected]. www.pollinationcanada.ca n Seeds of Diversity How will you use this guide? www.seeds.ca n Do you fi nd the directions Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility: Butterfl ies of Canada clear? If not, please tell us www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterfl ies-of-canada/?id=1370403265518 what is unclear.

North American Butterfl y Association n Is there any information you www.naba.org feel is missing from the guide? Canadian Honey Council n www.honeycouncil.ca Any other comments?

Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Thank you Island Press: Washington, DC. for taking Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Status of the time to help! Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: Washington, DC.

Fraser Plateau 25 Notes

26 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Notes

Fraser Plateau 27 Research and Writing: Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin, Jennifer Lotz

Editorial: Jennifer Lotz, Victoria Wojcik, Lora Morandin

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Funding: TransCanada

Contributors: Ray Coupes, Regional Ecologist, BC Forest Service

Valerie Huff, Plant Ecologist and Restoration Specialist, Kootenay Native Plant Society

Lynn Westcott, Entomologist, Westcott Environmental Services

Photo Contributors: Cover butterfl y photo, PaulReevesPhotography Cover mountains photo, brytta Cover Gang Ranch Gate photo, redfi shweb

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinatorpartnership.ca The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign www.pollinatorpartnership.ca d www.nappc.org 28 Selecting Plants for Pollinators