Native Plants for Pollinator Gardens
Best Natives for Pollinators
A healthy landscape includes many different species of pollinators that depend exclusively on native plants to act as host plants to deposit eggs or as a food source providing nectar. This list is an example of just some of the beautiful native plants that can be included in a conventional landscape design to support these important insects. For more information, contact us and we will help you develop a more specific species list to fit your site.
Lance-Leaf Coreopis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: Yellow
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: Orange
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Dry
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Height: 4′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: Purple
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: June-July
Bloom Color: Lavender
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: Yellow
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: All
Hairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
Height: 1.5′
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: Pink
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Bradbury's Monarda
Monarda bradburiana
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: Blue
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Blunt Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: Pink
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: Purple
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Wild Pentunia
Ruellia humilis
Height: 1′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: Violet
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Dry
Northern Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: Aug-Oct
Bloom Color: Gold/Brown
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
Northern Blazing Star
Liatris scariosa
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: Aug-Sept
Bloom Color: Purple
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Medium-Dry
4 Main Benefits of Native Plants for Pollinators
Why should native plants be used in your garden or natural area?
Pollinators ensure the sustainability of a biodiverse ecosystem which is interdependent with our food system, thus, with us. A healthy landscape supports and therefore includes many different species of pollinators that happen to depend exclusively on native plants. Specific host plants are required for shelter, egg deposit and as a food source providing nectar, pollen and seeds.
1 – Natives require no pesticides and no fertilizer.
2 – Natives have an extensive root system and do not need additional watering. The root systems also prevent soil erosion and increase the soil’s capacity to hold water.
3 – Natives reduce air pollution by sequestering pollutants, like CO2 in their leaves and roots. Additionally, they need less maintenance and emit far less CO2 to maintain.
4 – They are food and shelter to our wildlife. Non-native species do not support local pollinators, they have not evolved together.
Create and enjoy a landscape or natural area filled with butterflies, pollinators, songbirds, and wildlife.
pollinator Garden FAQ
Do I need to avoid using pesticides in a pollinator garden?
Yes, pesticides can harm pollinators. Try to use organic pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings) to control pests.
How can I support pollinators during the winter?
Pollinators like some bees and butterflies overwinter in protected areas. To help them, you can leave dead plants and leaf litter in place during the winter, as they offer shelter for pollinators. You can also leave stems or logs for bees to nest in and avoid cutting back all your plants in the fall.
Do I need to have a big yard for a pollinator garden?
No! Even a small garden, balcony, or container garden can be designed to support pollinators. Focus on choosing the right plants and providing a variety of habitats.