weeping willow
Salix babylonica
These water-loving trees are also drought tolerant and provide valuable wildlife habitat. A harbinger of … 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.
Salix babylonica
These water-loving trees are also drought tolerant and provide valuable wildlife habitat. A harbinger of … Continued
Salvia azurea ssp. pitcherii 'Nekan'
Showy large flower spikes of sky blue in late summer and fall. The perfect color … Continued
Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' ('Mainacht')
Perennial Plant Association 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year! Award-winning ‘May Night’ salvia is a … Continued
Salvia nemerosa Color Spires® 'Crystal Blue'
Striking cool sky blue flower spikes open over neatly mounded, aromatic foliage. Lovely when planted … Continued
Salvia pratensis Fashionista® Midnight Model
Striking violet-blue flowers are produced in a round, dense perennial. Long-lasting blooms make a beautiful … Continued
Salvia 'Colorspires Indiglo Girl'
The darkest color bloom from the Colorspires collection, indigo blue flowers with dark calyxes are … Continued
Salvia leucantha
Native to Central America and Mexico. Grown as an annual that grows 2-3’ tall in … Continued
Salvia 'Pretty In Pink'
Vibrant lavender pink flowers on darker pink calyxes over a bloom period. Big, bold blooms … Continued
Salvia nemorosa 'Pink Profusion'
Dark pink flowers open on darker pink calyxes on a these perfectly rounded, dense and … Continued
Sambucus nigra
Deep black foliage is finely cut, giving it an effect similar to Japanese maple but … Continued
Sambucus canadensis
‘York’ offers the largest berries of any cultivated variety. Great source of vitamin C. Fruit … Continued
Saponaria officinalis
Small, white, star-shaped blooms open in clusters in summer over spreading green foliage. Plants tolerate … Continued