‘Ruby Spice’ summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
A selection of Clethra alnifolia, a deciduous shrub native to swampy woodlands, wet marshes, and … Continued
Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are well-known pollinators, but there are thousands of unsung pollinator heroes, including moths, wasps, flies, and beetles, many mammals, birds, and reptiles, who also take on the job.
Pollinators move from plant to plant, fueling up with pollen and nectar from blooming trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetable plants, and herbs. As they move, the pollinators transport and deposit pollen, fertilizing plants and allowing them to reproduce.
Pollinator plants can be native and non-native, but not all flowering plants are equal when it comes to providing the highest quality protein-rich pollen. Many hybrids don’t even produce pollen at all. The following list includes pollen-rich plants to include in your garden to provide pollinators with food.
Local butterfly expert Lenora Larson has created these informational handouts. You can download them here!
• Butterflies: Flying Flowers in your Garden!
• A Vital Connection: Native Plants and Butterflies
• Long Lips Farm Caterpillar Foodplants
• Butterfly Bartending: Nectar Flowers
• Long Lips Farm: Selected Butterfly Nectar Flowers
• Bee Friendly: Plants for Bees and Other Pollinators
Since 1970 the population of North American birds has dropped nearly 30% — almost three billion birds have vanished from our forests, grasslands, and backyards in less than a human lifetime. It’s a chilling fact that makes it clear that we must act as individuals to help ensure their survival.
Most importantly, ninety-six percent of all terrestrial bird species rear their young on insects so it is also important to grow plants that feed insects to provide a well-rounded habitat in your garden.
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
A selection of Clethra alnifolia, a deciduous shrub native to swampy woodlands, wet marshes, and … Continued
Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina'
Selection of the native, Clethra alnifolia. Excellent for woodland gardens and wildlife gardens, the small … Continued
Symphytum officinale
This easy to grow hardy perennial is gorgeous and under-appreciated. Drought and heat tolerant plants … Continued
Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’
These easy to grow, adaptable perennials grow in clumps to 2′ tall with daisy-like single … Continued
Coreopsis x 'Mercury Rising'
Deep velvety red flowers with frilly bright gold centers open over fresh green, finely textured … Continued
Coreopsis tripteris
Tall coreopsis stands tall at 7′ to 9′! Golden-yellow flowers are arranged in a flat-topped … Continued
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’
Perennial Plant Association 1992 Perennial Plant of the Year! Compact, bushy plants are the longest … Continued
Coreopsis lanceolata
Coreopsis lanceolata (lanceleaf tickseed) sports bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer over glossy green foliage. … Continued
Coreopsis verticillata 'Zesty Zinger'
Light ivory flowers have dark magenta centers which spread toward the edge of the petals. … Continued
Cornus florida
Grown as a single- or multi-trunked tree with a spreading crown and long-lasting, showy, white … Continued
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' / 'Red Dragon'
Rounded, multi-trunked, typically grows 8-10’ tall, and features, as the name suggests, twisted and spiraling … Continued