Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Lower Riverine Forest Province

Including Parts of

Mississippi, ,

Missouri, , and and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support ? 4

Getting Started 5

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Far ms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

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

Cover: Ruby-throated hummingbird, courtesy Greg Lavaty

2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province

Including Parts of

Mississippi, Louisiana,

Missouri, Arkansas,

and Illinois

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).

Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve 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 Asparagus, mustard greens, okra, and strawberries are some of the crops raised in the Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate are a critical approximately $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

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

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

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

Val Dolcini President & CEO Pollinator Partnership

4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

This regional guide is States Forest Service, is a system includes evidence of cold- just one in a series of plant created as a management tool and and broadleaf forest selection tools designed to provide is used to predict responses to land classified by hydro-period, and information on how individuals can management practices throughout the remaining forest of hardwood influence pollinator populations large areas. This guide addresses species consisting of oak, hickory, through choices they make when pollinator-friendly land management gum, cypress, and sycamore, and they farm a plot of ground, manage practices in what is known as the woody vines such as poison ivy and large tracts of public land, or plant Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest greenbriers. Province. a garden. Each of us can have a Long before there were homes positive impact by providing the This 44,300 square mile province and farms in this area, the original, essential habitat requirements for consists of the broad floodplain and natural vegetation provided pollinators including food, water, sediment terraces of the Mississippi continuous cover and adjacent shelter, and enough space to allow River. Elevations range from sea feeding opportunities for wildlife, pollinators to raise their young. level in Louisiana to nearly 660 including pollinators. In choosing Pollinators travel through the feet at the southern tip of Illinois. plants, aim to create habitat for landscape without regard to The climate varies from north to pollinators that allow adequate food property ownership or state south and is characterized by warm shelter, and water sources. Most boundaries. We’ve chosen to use winters and hot summers. Average pollinators have very small home R.G. Bailey’s classification system winter temperatures range from 40° ranges. You can make a difference to identify the geographic focus to 60°F, and summers fall between by understanding the vegetation of this guide and to underscore 70° and 80°F. Average annual patterns of the farm, forest, or the connections between climate rainfall ranges from approximately neighbor’s yard adjacent to you and vegetation types that affect 45 inches in north to 65 inches in and by making planting choices the diversity of pollinators in the the south. that support the pollinators’ need for food and shelter as they move environment. This province is characterized by through the landscape. Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United cultivated land that had once been States, developed by the United riparian forest. Dominant vegetation

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 5 Understanding the Lower Mississippi riverine Forest

n This region is designated number 234 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 43,300 square miles in the floodplain of the Mississippi River.

n Primarily flat land and low sediment terraces.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 660 feet.

n Average annual temperature decrease going northward and range from 40° to 60°F in the winter and 70° and 80°F in the summer.

n Average year-round precipitation between 45-65 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 6b-8b.

Characteristics

n Comprised of virtually level flood plain with gently sloping terraces and natural levees.

n Where the land has not been converted for cultivation, common species include water oak, water hickory, sycamore, bald cypress, silver maple, and woody vines.

n Over 90% of the province has been cleared of natural vegetation.

6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Lower Mississippi “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Riverine Forest Province includes parts of: to improve pollinator habitat makes

Mississippi, Louisiana, sense in advancing our family farm’s Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois conservation and economic objectives,

enhancing beneficial wildlife and

improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 7 Meet the Pollinators

Who are the others form loose colonies. pollinators? Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; digger, or polyester bees (Colletes Bees spp.), which nest underground; Bees are well documented leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), pollinators in the natural and which prefer dead or branches agricultural systems of the Lower for their nest sites; and mason bees Mississippi Riverine Forest. A wide (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities range of crops including asparagus, that they find in stems and dead mustard greens, okra, and wood. bees (Diadasia spp.) strawberries are just a few plants are also solitary ground nesters. that benefit from bee pollinators. Most of us are familiar with the Butter fl ies colonies of honey bees that have Gardeners have been attracting Photo Lew Scharpf Lew Photo been the workhorses of agricultural butterflies to their gardens for some Bumblebee on . pollination for years in the United time. These insects tend to be eye- States. They were imported from catching, as are the that Europe almost 400 years ago. attract them. Position flowering There are nearly 4000 species of plants where they have full sun and native ground and twig nesting bees are protected from the wind. Also, in the U.S. Some form colonies you will need to provide open areas Gulf Fritillary butterfly. while others live and work a solitary (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where life. Native bees currently pollinate butterflies may bask, and moist soil many crops and can be encouraged from which they may get needed to do more to support agricultural minerals. By providing a safe place endeavors if their needs for nesting to eat and nest, gardeners can also habitat are met and if suitable support the pollination role that sources of , pollen, and water butterflies play in the landscape. It are provided. Bees have tongues of might mean accepting slight damage varying lengths that help determine to the plants, known as host plants, which flowers they can obtain nectar that provide food for the larval stage and pollen from. of the butterfly. The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms A diverse group of butterflies small colonies, usually underground. are present in garden areas and They are generalists, feeding on a wide woodland edges that provide bright range of plant material from February flowers, water sources, and specific to November and are important host plants. Numerous trees, , pollinators of tomatoes. The sweat bee and herbaceous plants support (family Halictidae) nests underground. butterfly populations. Various species are solitary while Butterflies are in the Order Photo Greg Lavaty Greg Photo

8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lepidoptera. Some of the species in to their gardens, possibly because (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk the Lower Mississippi Riverine beetle watching isn’t as inspiring cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), Forest are American Lady, as butterfly or bird watching. Yet goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and Southern Cloudywing, Goatweed beetles do play a role in pollination. members of the carrot family like Leafwing, Hayhurst’s Scallopwing, Some have a bad reputation because Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). and Gulf Fritillary butterflies. They they can leave a mess behind, usually look for flowers that provide damaging plant parts that they eat. Bir ds a good landing platform. Beetles are not as efficient as some Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators. They wander between Wet mud areas provide butterflies birds which play a role in pollination different species, often dropping with both the moisture and in . Their long beaks pollen as they go. minerals they need to stay healthy. and tongues draw nectar from Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle 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 , regions closer to the tropics, with Moths 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 Flies food. White-winged doves (Zenaida swelling at the end. Moth 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 saguaro 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 fly 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. jewelweed Moths, generally less colorful growing in the Lower Mississippi than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies Riverine Forest attracts Ruby- in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers throated 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 Lower states that flies are economically Mississippi Riverine Forest are not Beetles important as pollinators for a range pollinators, bats play an important of annual and bulbous ornamental role in the pollination of agave, Over 30,000 species of beetles flowers. organ pipe and saguaro cacti. The are found in the United States long-nosed bats’ head shape and and many of them can be found Plants pollinated by the fly long tongue allows it to delve into on flower heads. Gardeners have include the American pawpaw flower blossoms and extract both yet to intentionally draw beetles (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum pollen and nectar.

Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 petals 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 Odor 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

Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 gardener chives, parsley and lavender are with a small lot, you can increase just a few herbs that can be planted. Water : the number of pollinators in your Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and A clean, reliable source of water is area by making conscious choices to single sunflowers support bees and essential to pollinators. include plants that provide essential butterflies. • Natural and human-made water habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, • Recognize weeds that might be a features such as running water, beetles, hummingbirds and other good source of food. For example, pools, ponds, and small containers pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the of water provide drinking and early spring before other flowers bathing opportunities for pollinators. Food: open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have the Baltimore Checkerspot. Flowers provide nectar (high in a shallow or sloping side so the • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest sugar and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in protein) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen 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

Asparagus, mustard greens, okra, herbicides. Perhaps the targeted and strawberries are a few of the weeds can provide needed food for “ food supplies for food crops in the Lower Mississippi pollinators. Riverine 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, almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 13 Public Lands

“ From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterfl ies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

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

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “ A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and 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 cultivars sometimes -- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than garden club of America the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some altered plants don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.

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

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.” Common Botanical Name Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Trees & Shrubs red, reddish- red, reddish Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye yellow yellow Amorpha fruticosa Wild Indigo purple purple purple purple Aronia arbutifolia Red Chokeberry white white white reddish- reddish- Asimina parviflora Small-fruited Pawpaw maroon maroon reddish- reddish- Asimina triloba Pawpaw maroon maroon Catalpa bignonioides Southern Catalpa white white Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa white white Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush white white white Cercis canadensis Redbud deep pink deep pink white, white, Cornus Flowering Dogwood greenish- greenish- yellow yellow Rough-leaved creamy creamy Cornus drummondii Dogwood white white marshallii Parsley Haw white white Diospyros virginiana Persimmon white white greenish- greenish- Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust yellow yellow diptera var. diptera Two Wing Silverbell white white Ilex ambigua Carolina white white white Ilex decidua var. decidua Possum-haw white white white Ilex glabra Inkberry white white Holly white white white Ilex opaca American Holly white white white Itea virginica Sweetspire white white Magnolia grandiflora Southern magnolia white white white white Magnolia virginiana var. virginiana Sweet Bay white white white white greenish- greenish- Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum white white Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum white white Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto white white americanus American Snowbell white white white Styrax grandifolius Bigleaf Snowbell white white Symplocos tinctoria Sweetleaf yellow yellow Viburnum dentatum Southern Arrowwood white white Viburnum nudum Possumhaw white white Perennial Flowers Agrimonia pubescens Soft Agrimony yellow yellow yellow Allium canadense Wild Onion violet violet

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Botanical Name Name March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Amsonia tabernaemontana Blue Star blue blue Apocynum cannabinum Indian Hemp white white white greenish- greenish- Arisaema dracontium Green Dragon maroon maroon greenish- greenish- Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in the-Pulpit maroon maroon pink to pink to incarnata Swamp Milkweed pink to rose rose orange Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed orange to orange to to yellow yellow yellow Bidens aristosa Begar Ticks yellow yellow Cardamine bulbosa Spring Cress white white Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge Pea yellow yellow yellow yellow Desmanthus illinoensis Illinois Bundle Flower white white pink, Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus Joe Pye Weed pink, lavender lavender pink, pink, Helianthus angustifolius Narrowleaf Sunflower lavender lavender white to white to white to rose, white to Hibiscus lasiocarpos Wooly Rosemallow rose, deep rose, deep deep red at rose, deep yellow yellow red at base red at base base red at base white Halberdleaf pink to pink to white, pink to to rose, Hibiscus laevis Rosemallow white, rose rose red at white, rose deep red red at base base red at base at base Impatiens capensis Jewel Weed orange orange orange orange fulva Copper Iris orange orange orange orange orange orange Iris virginica Southern Blueflag blue blue blue Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear yellow yellow Pontederia cordata var. cordata Pickerelweed purple purple purple Pycnanthemum albescens Mountain Mint white white white yellow, yellow, yellow, Black-eyed Susan brown brown yellow, brown brown center center center center yellow, Rudbeckia triloba Coneflower yellow, brown brown center center yellow, yellow, Teucrium canadense American pink to pink to pink to brown brown Gerrymander lavender lavender lavender center center Tradescantia virginiana Virginia Spiderwort violet violet violet violet violet Trichostema dichotomum Blue Curls blue Vernonia gigantea Ironweed purple blue blue blue Vines red and red and Bignonia capreolata Cross-vine yellow yellow Campsis radicans Trumpet-creeper orange orange bluish- bluish- Clematis crispa Marsh Clematis purple bluish-purple purple blue, Passion Flower blue, bluish- bluish- blue, bluish- white white white bluish- Wisteria frutescens American Wisteria purple, bluish-purple, lavender lavender

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators F OR TH E Lower Mississippi Riverine 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.

Visitation by Botanical Name Common Color Height Flower Sun Soil Name Season Pollinator Trees & Shrubs hummingbirds, Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye red, reddish-yellow 20-25’ April-May shade to partial shade moist bees Amorpha fruticosa Wild Indigo purple, violet April-July sun moist to wet bees, butterflies Aronia arbutifolia Red Chokeberry white to 15’ March-May sun to partial shade moist to wet butterflies, bees Small-fruited flies, beetles, Asimina parviflora Pawpaw reddish-maroon 6-9’ April-May shade to partial shade dry to moist moths flies, beetles, Asimina triloba Pawpaw reddish maroon April-May shade to partial shade moist moths Catalpa bignonioides Southern Catalpa white 70’ May-June sun to partial shade dry to moist bees Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa white 70’ May-June sun to partial shade dry to moist bees Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush white 6-10’ sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, beetles, flies Cercis canadensis Redbud deep pink to 15’ April-May sun to partial shade moist to dry bees white, greenish Flowering Dogwood yellow 30’ April-May sun to partial shade moist Rough-leaved Cornus drummondii Dogwood creamy white 15’ April May sun to partial shade moist to dry bees, beetles, flies Crataegus marshallii Parsley Haw white 20-25’ April-May shade to partial shade moist flies, beetles Diospyros virginiana Persimmon white 30-60’ April-May sun moist moths Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust greenish yellow 65-75’ May-June sun to partial shade mesic to moist bees var. diptera Two Wing Silverbell white to 30’ April-May sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, butterflies Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly white to 18’ March-May sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, flies Ilex decidua var. decidua Possum-haw white to 20’ March-May shade to partial shade mesic to wet bees, flies Ilex glabra Inkberry white 4-6’ May-June sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, flies Ilex longipes Georgia Holly white 15’ March-May sun to partial shade moist to wet bees, flies Ilex opaca American Holly white 40-50’ March-May sun to partial shade moist bees, flies Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire white 3-5’ May-June sun to partial shade moist butterflies, bees Magnolia grandiflora Southern magnolia white May-August sun to partial shade moist bees, beetles Magnolia virginiana var. virginiana Sweet Bay white 6-60’ April sun to partial shade moist to flooded bees, beetles Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum greenish white 120’ April-May sun to partial shade moist to dry bees Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum white March-April sun to partial shade moist bees, flies, beetles Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto white 4-6’ June-July sun to partial shade moist to wet bees Styrax americanus American Snowbell white 8-10’ April-June shade to partial shade moist bees Styrax grandifolius Bigleaf Snowbell white to 20’ April-May shade to partial shade moist bees, butterflies Symplocos tinctoria Sweetleaf yellow 15-35’ May-June sun to partial shade moist bees butterflies, bees, Viburnum dentatum Southern Arrowwood white to16’ April-May shade to sun moist beetles, flies butterflies, bees, Viburnum nudum Possumhaw white 6-8’ April-May shade to sun moist to wet beetles, flies Perennial Flowers Agrimonia pubescens Soft Agrimony yellow 18-20” July-September sun to partial shade moist bees

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Visitation by Botanical Name Common Color Height Flower Sun Soil Name Season Pollinator Allium canadense Wild Onion violet 12-18” May-June sun to partial shade moist to dry bees Amsonia tabernaemontana Blue Star blue 24-30” April-May sun to partial shade moist bees Apocynum cannabinum Indian Hemp white, greenish 24-36” May-July sun to partial shade moist wasps, flies Arisaema dracontium Green Dragon greenish maroon 12-24”(-48) March-April shade moist flies Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in the-Pulpit greenish maroon 12-24”(-36) March-April shade moist flies Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed pink to rose 36-48’ July-September sun moist to wet bees, butterflies Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed orange to yellow 24” May-August sun moist to dry bees, butterflies September- bees, beetles, flies, Bidens aristosa Begar Ticks yellow 24-30” October sun moist butterflies Cardamine bulbosa Spring Cress white 8-12” March-May partial shade to shade moist to wet bees Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge Pea yellow 18-30” June-September sun to partial shade moist bees bees, butterflies, Desmanthus illinoensis Illinois Bundle Flower white 2-3”(-5’) June-July sun to partial shade moist to wet flies bees, butterflies, Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus Joe Pye Weed pink, lavender to 8’ July-October sun to partial shade moist flies Narrowleaf Helianthus angustifolius Sunflower yellow 5-7’ Sept-Oct sun moist to wet butterflies, bees white to rose, deep Hibiscus lasiocarpos Wooly Rosemallow red at base 5-7’ May-September sun to partial shade moist to wet bees Halberdleaf pink to white, rose Hibiscus laevis Rosemallow red at base 5-7’ June-August sun to partial shade moist to wet bees Impatiens capensis Jewel Weed orange 3-5’ May-November partial shade to shade moist to wet bees Iris fulva Copper Iris orange 20-26” March-May sun wet to moist bees Iris virginica Southern Blueflag blue 24-40” March-May sun wet to moist bees Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear yellow 6-10” May-June sun moist to dry bees, beetles Pontederia cordata wet or var. cordata Pickerelweed purple 1-3’ June-Aug sun to partial shade innundated butterflies Pycnanthemum albescens Mountain Mint white 18-24” June-August sun moist bees yellow, brown bees, butterflies, Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan center 14-20” May-August sun to partial shade moist to dry flies, beetles yellow, brown bees, butterflies, Rudbeckia triloba Coneflower center July-October sun to partial shade moist flies, beetles American Teucrium canadense Gerrymander pink to lavender 12-36” June-August sun to partial shade moist bees Tradescantia virginiana Virginia Spiderwort violet 8-12” April-August sun to partial shade moist bees August- Trichostema dichotomum Blue Curls blue 4-30” November sun to partial shade moist to dry bees bees, butterflies, Vernonia gigantea Ironweed purple August-October sun moist flies, beetles Vines hummingbirds, Bignonia capreolata Cross-vine red and yellow 30-45’ April-May sun to partial shade moist bees hummingbirds, Campsis radicans Trumpet-creeper orange 30-45’ June-July sun moist to dry bees Clematis crispa Marsh Clematis bluish-purple 10-20’ June-August sun moist to wet bees Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower blue, bluish white 6-10’ May-July sun to partial shade Moist bees, butterflies bluish-purple, Wisteria frutescens American Wisteria lavender to 30’ April-May sun to partial shade moist to wet bees,

Lower Mississippi Riverine Forest Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 F lowers Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x C rops Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

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

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

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

Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “ MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or 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

Lower Mississippi Riverine 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. , 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/ Seeds 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 Coevolution 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. National Sustainable Information Wild Farm Alliance Service n www.wildfarmalliance.org 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. Agriculture Research Service Portland, OR. Plants Attractive to Native Bees table n Any other comments? Illinois 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.

Lower Mississippi Riverine 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 Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers

Photo Contributors: Greg Lavaty; www.pbase.com/dadas115/ Lew Scharpf; www.pbase.com/lejun,

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