sweet Joe-pye weed
Eutrochium {Eupatorium} purpureum
Shade tolerant and showy, this easy-to-grow native stays in place in the garden and invites … 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.
Eutrochium {Eupatorium} purpureum
Shade tolerant and showy, this easy-to-grow native stays in place in the garden and invites … Continued
Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Magic Berry'
Light pink blooms in summer followed by large, pink fruit on arching stems with dark … Continued
Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Snow Flurry'
The ‘Snow Flurry’ selection has a compact spreading habit and forms a ground cover with … Continued
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
A compact selection recommended by the Mt. Cuba Center as a cultivar that draws loads … Continued
Syringa vulgaris
Common lilacs are mid-season spring bloomers typically flowering in mid-May in lavender or white. We … Continued
Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'
A smaller-sized lilac with reddish purple buds opening to fragrant, pale lilac flowers. Blooms profusely … Continued
Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’
A small tree growing 20–25’ tall with a rounded crown. Creamy white, fragrant, single flowers … Continued
Tagetes hybrids
‘Bonanza’ mix is a French marigold with a mix of yellow, gold-red, and bicolor large, 2-2.5″ … Continued
Tagetes lemmonii
Narrow, green, fine foliage has a strong citrus-like aroma. The sunny yellow blooms attract bees … Continued
Talinum paniculatum ‘Kingwood Gold’
Related to portulaca with fleshy green leaves and topped in tall spires of delicate, wiry flower … Continued
Tanacetum niveum
Fragrant, lacy, silvery foliage topped with a huge bouquet of white daisies. This plant thrives … Continued
Tanacetum 'Robinson's Red'
Scarlet-red daisy petals measure 2.5″ wide and surround a bright yellow center. Fine ferny foliage … Continued