Selecting Plants for Pollinators: Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe - North American...

8/3/2019 Selecting Plants for Pollinators: Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe - North American Pollinator Protection Ca

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

andNAPPC

Southwest

Plateau and

Plains

Dry Steppe

and

Shrub Province

Including Parts of

New Mexico and Texas

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators


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Selecting Plants for Pollinators2

This is one of several guides fordifferent regions in the UnitedStates. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the futureguides useful. Please contact us at

[email protected]

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

Checklist 22

Resources and Feedback 23

Table of CONTENTS

Cover: Pipevine Swallowtail butter y,courtesy Lew Scharpf; www.pbase.com/lejun


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Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe and Shrub Province

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

southwest Plateau

and

Plains

Dry Steppe

and

Shrub Province

Including Parts of


a nappc and Pollinator Partnership Publication

Selecting Plants for Pollinators

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant 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 (NAPPCwww.nappc.org).


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I n theIr 1996 book , t he F orgotten P ollInators , Buchmann andNabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction

of 90% of owering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of usdepends 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 theintricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems

that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit setand quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases

production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife foodsources increase.

Persimmons, peaches, onions and cantaloupes are some of the cropsraised in the Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe that rely onhoney bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinateapproximately $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated 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 howsevere the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused

by disease, pesticide use, insuf cient nutrition, and transportation practices.Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources.The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help usunderstand 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 needfor habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in thenatural world.

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

Farming feeds

the world, and

we must remember

that pollinators

are a critical

link in our food

systems. -- Paul Growald,

Co-Founder,

Pollinator partnership


Why support pollinators?

Laurie Davies AdamsExecutive DirectorPollinator Partnership


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t hIs regIonal guIde Is just one

in a series of plant selection toolsdesigned to provide informationon how individuals can in uence

pollinator populations throughchoices they make when they farma plot of ground, manage large

tracts of public land, or plant agarden. Each of us can have a

positive impact by providing theessential habitat requirements for

pollinators including food, water,

shelter, and enough space to allow pollinators to raise their young.

Pollinators travel through the landscape without regard to property ownership or state boundaries. Weve chosen to useR.G. Baileys classi cation system to identify the geographic focusof this guide and to underscore

the connections between climateand vegetation types that affect

the diversity of pollinators in theenvironment.

Baileys Ecoregions of the UnitedStates, developed by the UnitedStates Forest Service, is a systemcreated as a management tooland is used to predict responses

to land management practices

throughout large areas. This guide

addresses pollinator-friendly landmanagement practices in what isknown as the Southwest Plateauand Plains Dry Steppe and ShrubProvince.

This 160,900 square mile provinceis a region primarily varied byirregular plains and tablelands withareas of at to rolling plains, hills,and plateaus dissected by canyons

with moderate relief. Elevations at the Gulf Coastal Plain range fromsea level to 4,000 feet and rise to6,500 feet near the Rocky MountainPiedmont. The semiarid climate ischaracterized by short and mild

winters and long and hot summers with an extensive frost-free season. Annual temperatures average from60 to 70F. Annual rainfall rangesfrom 30 inches in the east to10 to 15inches in the west, and is exceeded

by up to 80 inches of annualevaporation.

This province is characterized by a unique collection of aridgrasslands. On eastern NewMexico and Northwest Texas plains, buffalo grass and blue grama areinterspersed with mesquite. Oak,

juniper and needlegrass dominate

plateaus, where trees grow low andin open stands (unless on steeprocky slopes) due to low rainfall.Ceniza shrub is prevalent along thedescent to the Rio Grande wherea forest of mesquite-grassland,including subtropical semiarid

vegetation such as the endangeredsabal palm, inhabits the delta. TheGulf Coast supports areas of liveoak forest.

Long before there were homesand farms in this area, the original,natural vegetation providedcontinuous cover and adjacentfeeding opportunities for wildlife,including pollinators. In choosing

plants, aim to create habitat for pollinators that allow adequate foodshelter, and water sources. Most

pollinators have very small homeranges. You can make a difference

by understanding the vegetation patterns of the farm, forest, orneighbors yard adjacent to youand by making planting choices

that support the pollinators needfor food and shelter as they move

through the landscape.

Getting Started


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Understandingthe Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

n This region is designated number M315 in the BaileysEcosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to:

www. s. ed.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 160,900 square miles within eastern New Mexico and Texas.

n Primarily at to rolling plains and plateaus.

n Elevations ranging from sea level to 6,900 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 60F to 70F.

n Average year-round precipitation from 30 inches in the east to10-15 inches in the west.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-11.

Characteristicsn Distinguished by arid grasslands with low trees and shrubs

growing mostly in open stands to vegetation with Mexicanaf nities and live oak forest.

n Common species include needlegrass, buffalo grass, galletagrass, blue grama, sagebrush, mesquite, yucca, red cedar,

Ashe juniper, ceniza, blackjack oak, acacia, cottonwood, and live oak.

n Conversion to agriculture has altered the landscape byincreasing erosion, pollution from agrochemicals, and invasionof non-native grasses and shrubs.


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The Southwest Plateau andPlains Dry Steppeand Shrub Provinceincludes parts of:


Adding native plantings in riparian areasto improve pollinator habitat makes

sense in advancing our family farms

conservation and economic objectives,

enhancing bene cial wildlife andimproving pollination in our orchard and

garden.

--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President,

National Association of Conservation Districts


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Who are thepollinators?

BeesBees are well documented pollinators in the natural andagricultural systems of theSouthwest Plateau and Plains DrySteppe. A wide range of cropsincluding persimmons, peaches,onions and cantaloupes are just afew plants that bene t from bee

pollinators.Most of us are familiar with thecolonies of honey bees that have

been the workhorses of agricultural pollination for years in the UnitedStates. They were imported fromEurope almost 400 years ago.

There are nearly 4000 species of native ground and twig nesting beesin the U.S. Some form colonies

while others live and work a solitary life. Native bees currently pollinatemany crops and can be encouraged

to do more to support agriculturalendeavors if their needs for nestinghabitat are met and if suitablesources of nectar, pollen, and waterare provided. Bees have tongues of

varying lengths that help determine which owers they can obtain nectarand pollen from.

The bumble bee ( Bombusspp.) formssmall colonies, usually underground.They are generalists, feeding on a wide range of plant material fromFebruary to November and areimportant pollinators of tomatoes.The sweat bee (family Halictidae)nests underground. Various species

are solitary while others form loosecolonies.

Solitary bees include carpenter bees( Xylocopaspp.), which nest in wood;digger, or polyester bees ( Colletes spp.), which nest underground;

leafcutter bees ( Megachilespp.), which prefer dead trees or branchesfor their nest sites; and mason bees(Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities that they nd in stems and dead wood. Cactus bees ( Diadasia spp.)are also solitary ground nesters.

Butter iesGardeners have been attracting butter ies to their gardens for some time. These insects tend to be eye-catching, as are the owers thatattract them. Position owering

plants where they have full sun andare protected from the wind. Also,

you will need to provide open areas(e.g. bare earth, large stones) where butter ies may bask, and moist soilfrom which they may get neededminerals. By providing a safe place to eat and nest, gardeners can alsosupport the pollination role that

butter ies play in the landscape. Itmight mean accepting slight damage to the plants, known as host plants, that provide food for the larval stageof the butter y.

A diverse group of butter iesare present in garden areas and

woodland edges that provide brightowers, water sources, and speci c

host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs,and herbaceous plants support

butter y populations.

Butter ies are in the Order

Meet the Pollinators

Bee ready to cross-pollinate a cactus fower.

Black-chinned hummingbird.


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Lepidoptera. Some of the species in the Southwest Plateau and Dry

Steppe are Ruddy Daggerwing,Isabellas Heliconian, AmericanSnout, Klugs Clearwing, EladaCheckerspot, and PipevineSwallowtail butter ies. Theyusually look for owers that providea good landing platform.

Wet mud areas provide butter ies with both the moisture andminerals they need to stay healthy.Butter ies eat rotten fruit and evendung, so dont clean up all themesses in your garden!

MothsMoths are most easily distinguishedfrom butter ies by their antennae.Butter y antennae are simple with aswelling at the end. Moth antennaediffer from simple to featherlike,

but never have a swelling at the

tip. In addition, butter ies typicallyare active during the day; moths atnight. Butter y bodies are not veryhairy, while moth bodies are quitehairy and more stout.

Moths, generally less colorful than butter ies, also play a rolein pollination. They are attracted

to owers that are strongly sweetsmelling, open in late afternoon ornight, and are typically white or

pale colored.

BeetlesOver 30,000 species of beetlesare found in the United Statesand many of them can be foundon ower heads. Gardeners have

yet to intentionally draw beetles

to their gardens, possibly because beetle watching isnt as inspiring

as butter y or bird watching. Yet beetles do play a role in pollination.Some have a bad reputation because they can leave a mess behind,damaging plant parts that they eat.Beetles are not as ef cient as some pollinators. They wander betweendifferent species, often dropping

pollen as they go.

Beetle pollinated plants tend to be large, strong scented owers with their sexual organs exposed. Theyare known to pollinate Magnolia,sweetshrub ( Calycanthus), paw

paws, and yellow pond lilies.

FliesIt may be hard to imagine why one would want to attract ies to thegarden. However, like beetles, thenumber of y species and the fact

that ies are generalist pollinators(visit many species of plants),should encourage us all to leave

those ies alone and let them do their job as pollinators.

Recent research indicates that ies primarily pollinate small owers that bloom under shade and inseasonally moist habitats. TheNational Research Councils Status of Pollinators in North Americastudystates that ies are economicallyimportant as pollinators for a rangeof annual and bulbous ornamental

owers.

Plants pollinated by the yinclude the American pawpaw( Asimina triloba), dead horse arum( Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk

cabbage ( Symplocarpus foetidus),goldenrod ( Solidagospp.), and

members of the carrot family likeQueen Annes lace ( Daucus carota).

BirdsHummingbirds are the primary birds which play a role in pollinationin North America. Their long beaksand tongues draw nectar from

tubular owers. Pollen is carriedon both the beaks and feathersof different hummingbirds. Theregions closer to the tropics, with

warmer climates, boast the largestnumber of hummingbird speciesand the greatest number of native

plants to support the birds need forfood. White-winged doves ( Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators of thesaguaro cactus ( Carnegeia gigantea) in

the south central United States.

Bright colored tubular owers

attract hummingbirds to gardens throughout the United States.Hummingbirds can see the colorred; bees cannot. Nectar plantsgrowing in the Southern RockyMountain Steppe, including

reweed and elephant head, attract boad-tailed hummingbirds.

BatsIn the Southwest Plateau and PlainsDry Steppe, Sanborns long-nosed bats play an important role in the pollination of agave, organ pipe andsaguaro cacti. The long-nosed batshead shape and long tongue allowsit to delve into ower blossoms andextract both pollen and nectar.


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Plant Traits

PlantTrait Bats Bees Bee

Color Dull white, greenor purpleBright white,

yellow,blue, or UV

Dull whgreen

Nectarguides

Absent Present Abse

Odor Strong musty;emitted at nightFresh, mild,pleasant

None to struity or

Nectar Abundant;somewhathidden

Usually present Sometipresennot hidd

Pollen AmpleLimited; o ten

stickyand scented

Amp

FlowerShape

Regular; bowlshaped closed

during day

Shallow; havelanding plat orm;

tubular

Large bowMagno

Which FlowersDo thePollinatorsprefer?

n ot all PollInators are foundin each North American province,and some are more important

in different parts of the UnitedStates. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and pollinators where you live.

Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristicsof their owers. These oralcharacteristics can be useful to

predict the type of pollinationmethod or animal that is mosteffective for that group of plants.This association between oralcharacteristics and pollinationmethod is called a pollinationsyndrome.

The interactions of animal pollinators and plants havein uenced the evolution of bothgroups of organisms. A mutualisticrelationship between the pollinatorand the plant species helps the

pollinator nd necessary pollen andnectar sources and helps the plantreproduce by ensuring that pollen iscarried from one ower to another.

This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at:


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and the Pollinators they Attract

PollinatorBirds Butterfies Flies Moths Wind

carlet, orange,red

or white

Bright, includingred and purple

Pale and dull todark brown or purple;

fecked with translucentpatches

Pale and dull red,purple, pink or white

Dull green, brown, ocolorless;

petals absentor reduced

Absent Present Absent Absent Absent

None Faint but resh PutridStrong sweet;

emitted at nightNone

Ample; deeplyhidden

Ample; deeplyhidden

Usually absent Ample; deeplyhidden

None

Modest Limited Modest in amount LimitedAbundant; small,

smooth, and not stick

Large unnele; cups, strongerch support

Narrow tube withspur; wide

landing pad

Shallow; unnel like orcomplex and trap-like

Regular; tubularwithout a lip

Regular; small andstigmas exerted

http://www.fs.fed.us/wild owers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml


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W hether you are a Farmer of many acres, land manager of a

large tract of land, or a gardener with a small lot, you can increase the number of pollinators in yourarea by making conscious choices toinclude plants that provide essentialhabitat for bees, butter ies, moths,

beetles, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Food:Flowers provide nectar (high insugar and necessary amino acids)and pollen (high in protein) to

pollinators.Fermenting fallen fruits also providefood for bees, beetles and butter ies.Speci c plants, known as host plants, are eaten by the larvae of pollinators such as butter ies. Plant in groups to increase pollination ef ciency. If a pollinatorcan visit the same type of owerover and over, it doesnt have torelearn how to enter the owerand can transfer pollen to the samespecies, instead of squandering the

pollen on unreceptive owers. Plant with bloom season in mind, providing food from early spring to late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-17) Plant a diversity of plants tosupport a variety of pollinators.Flowers of different color,fragrance, and season of bloomon plants of different heights willattract different pollinator speciesand provide pollen and nectar

throughout the seasons. Many herbs and annuals, although

not native, are very good for pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic,chives, parsley and lavender are

just a few herbs that can be planted.Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, andsingle sun owers support bees and

butter ies. Recognize weeds that might be agood source of food. For example,dandelions provide nectar in theearly spring before other owersopen. Plantain is alternate host for

the Baltimore Checkerspot.

Learn and utilize Integrated PestManagement (IPM) practices toaddress pest concerns. Minimize oreliminate the use of pesticides.

Shelter:Pollinators need protection fromsevere weather and from predatorsas well as sites for nesting androosting.

Incorporate different canopy layers in the landscape by planting trees, shrubs, and different-sized perennial plants. Leave dead snags for nesting sitesof bees, and other dead plants and

leaf litter for shelter. Build bee boxes to encouragesolitary, non-aggressive bees to nest

on your property. Leave some areas of soil uncovered to provide ground nesting insectseasy access to underground tunnels.

Group plantings so that pollinatorscan move safely through the

landscape protected from predators. Include plants that are needed

by butter ies during their larvaldevelopment.

Water: A clean, reliable source of water isessential to pollinators.

Natural and human-made waterfeatures such as running water, pools, ponds, and small containersof water provide drinking and

bathing opportunities for pollinators. Ensure the water sources havea shallow or sloping side so the

pollinators can easily approach the water without drowning.

Your current landscape probablyincludes many of these elements.Observe wildlife activity in your farm

elds, woodlands, and gardens todetermine what actions you can take

to encourage other pollinators to feedand nest. Evaluate the placement of individual plants and water sourcesand use your knowledge of speci c

pollinator needs to guide your choiceand placement of additional plantsand other habitat elements. Minorchanges by many individuals can

positively impact the pollinator populations in your area. Watchfor - and enjoy - the changes in your landscape!

CAUTION: Remember that pesticides are largely toxic to pollinators. Extreme caution is warranted if you choose to useany pesticide. Strategically apply

pesticides only for problematic target species.

Developing landscape plantingsthat provide pollinator habitat


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Farms

Persimmons, peaches, onions andcantaloupes are a few of the foodcrops in the Southwest Plateauand Plains Dry Steppe and ShrubProvince that will bene t fromstrong native bee populations

that boost pollination ef ciency.Incorporate different plants throughout the farm that providefood for native populations when

targeted crops are not in ower.

Farmers have many opportunities

to incorporate pollinator-friendly land management practices on their land which will bene t the farmerin achieving his or her productiongoals:

Manage the use of pesticides to reduce the impact on native pollinators. Spray when bees arentactive (just after dawn) and choose

targeted ingredients.

Carefully consider the use of

herbicides. Perhaps the targeted weeds can provide needed food for pollinators. Minimize tillage to protect groundnesting pollinators.

Ensure water sources are scattered throughout the landscape. Choose a variety of native plants toact as windbreaks, riparian buffers,and eld borders throughout thefarm.

Plant unused areas of the farm with temporary cover crops that

can provide food or with a varietyof trees, shrubs, and owers that

provide both food and shelter for pollinators. Check with your local NaturalResources Conservation Service(NRCS) of ce to see what technicaland nancial support might beavailable to assist you in your effort to

provide nectar, pollen, and larval food

sources for pollinators on your farm.

food supplies for

bees are critical

to maintaining

strong hives

for almond

pollination

the following

winter. -- Dan Cummings,

Chico, California

almond grower.

I l l u s t r a

t i o n s

b y

C a r o l y n

V i b b e r

t


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Public Lands

Public lands are maintained forspeci c reasons ranging from highimpact recreation to conservation.In the Southwest Plateau andPlains Dry Steppe grasses andshrubs have been cut to allow forhomes, businesses and farms. Lessdisturbed natural areas can beaugmented with plantings of native

plant species. Existing plantingsaround buildings and parking areasshould be evaluated to determineif pollinator-friendly plants can

be substituted or added to attract

and support pollinators. Public land managers have a uniqueopportunity to use their plantingsas an education tool to help othersunderstand the importance of pollinators in the environment through signs, brochures, and public programs.

In an effort to increase populationsof pollinators the land manager can:

Inventory and becomeknowledgeable of local pollinators.

Provide connectivity between vegetation areas by creatingcorridors of perennials, shrubs, and

trees that provide pollinators shelterand food as they move through the

landscape. Maintain a minimum of lawn areas that support recreational needs. Restrict the use of pesticides andherbicides.

Provide water sources in largeopen areas.

Maintain natural meadows andopenings that provide habitats forsun-loving wild owers and grasses.

Remove invasive species andencroaching shrubs and trees.

Fromhummingbirds

to beetles, to

butter ies,

natures

pollinators help

keep Midewins

Tallgrass prairie

restorations

full of diverse

owering

plants. Insect

monitoring

provides a key

measure of our

success. -- Logan Lee

Prairie Supervisor, Midewin

National Tallgrass Prairie


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Gardeners have a wide array of plants to use in their gardens.

Native plants, plants introducedfrom years of plant explorationfrom around the world, and plantsdeveloped by professional andamateur breeders can be found ingarden centers, in catalogs, andon web-sites. Use your knowledgeof pollinator needs to guide yourchoices.

Choose a variety of plants that

will provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Resist the urge to have a totallymanicured lawn and garden. Leave

bare ground for ground nesting bees. Leave areas of dead wood and leaf litter for other insects. Strive to eliminate the use of all pesticides. Find local resources to help you

in your efforts. Contact your localcounty extension agent or native plant society. Visit your regional botanic gardens and arboreta.

The scale of your plantings will vary but it is important to remember

that you are trying to provideconnectivity to the landscapeadjacent to your property. Dont

just look within your property boundaries. If your neighbors property provides an essentialelement, such as water, which can

be utilized by pollinators visiting your land, you may be able todevote more space to habitat

elements that are missing nearby.It is best to use native plants whichhave evolved to support the needsof speci c native pollinators. Some

pollinators, however, are generalistsand visit many different plants, bothnative and non-native. Be sure thatany non-native plants you choose

to use are not invasive. Remember that specialized cultivars sometimes

arent used by pollinators. Flowers that have been drastically altered,such as those that are double ora completely different color than

the wild species, often prevent pollinators from nding and feedingon the owers. In addition, somealtered plants dont contain the samenectar and pollen resources thatattract 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 correctlyidenti ed. Your local native plantsociety can help you make informeddecisions when searching for plants.

Home Landscapes

A garden isonly as rich and

beautiful as the

integral health

of the system;

pollinators

are essential to

the system - make

your home their

home. -- Derry MacBride

National Affairs and

legislation Chairwoman,

garden club of America


16/24


The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of ower colors and make sure

something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by spp.

BLOOM PERIODSFOR THE Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

BotanicalName

CommonName March April May June July Aug Sept Oc

Trees & Shrubs

Amorphacanescens leadplant purple purple

Cornusdrummondii roughlea dogwood creamywhite creamywhite creamywhite

Cylindropuntiaimbricata tree chollo magenta magenta

Prosopisvelutina velvet mesquite

greenishyellow

greenishyellow

greenishyellow

greenishyellow

greenishyellow

greenishyellow

Prunusangustifolia Chickasaw plum white white

Rubus bushii Bushsblackberry white white

Yucca glauca soapweed yucca white tocreamwhite tocream

Perennial Flowers

Asclepias

asperula ssp .capricornu antelopehornsgreenish-

whitegreenish-

whitegreenish-

whitegreenish-

white

Asclepiastuberosa

butterfymilkweed orange orange orange orange orange

Astragalusmissouriensis

Missourimilkvetch

pinkish-purple

pinkish-purple

pinkish-purple

pinkish-purple


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BotanicalName

CommonName March April May June July Aug Sept Oc

Baptisiaaustralis var.

minor blue wild indigo blue blue

Callirhoeinvolucrata

purplepoppymallow

deep rose-pink

deep rose-pink

deep rose-pink

deeprose-pink

deeprose-pink

Delphiniumcarolinianumssp . virescens

Carolina larkspurwhite

tinged withpurple

whitetinged with

purple

Echinaceaangustifolia

blacksamsonechinacea pale purple

palepurple

Echinocereusreichenbachii

ssp . baileyi Baileys

hedgehog cactus pinkish pinkish

Liatris punctata

dotted blazingstar

pinkish-purple

pinkish-purple

pinkish-purple

Oenotheramacrocarpa

big ruit eveningprimrose yellow yellow yellow

Penstemoncobaea

cobaeabeardtongue

pinkish-white withpurple lines

pinkish-white withpurple lines

Solidagomissouriensis

Missourigoldenrod yellow yellow yellow yellow

Vernoniabaldwinii

Baldwinsironweed purple purple purple

Vines

Cucurbitafoetidissima Missouri gourd yellow yellow yellow yellow


18/24


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.

Plants that attract pollinatorsFOR THE Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

Botanical Name CommonName Color HeightFlowerSeason Sun Soil

Visitation byPollinator

Also ahostplant

Trees & Shrubs

Amorphacanescens leadplant purple 1-3 Jun-Jul ull sun

loamy, sandy,gravelly, or

claybees, fies X

Cornusdrummondii roughlea dogwood creamy white 4-16 Apr-Junull sun,

partial shade,or shade

various bees,butterfies

Cylindropuntiaimbricata tree chollo magenta 3-6 Jun-Jul ull sun silty cactus bees

Prosopis velutina velvet mesquite greenishyellow 20-55 Mar-Aug ull sunsilty, gravelly,

or rockybees, fies,butterfies

Prunusangustifolia

Chickasawplum white 5-10 Mar-Apr

ull sun orpartial shade sandy

bees, fies,butterfies

Rubus bushii Bushsblackberry white 2-4 May-Junull sun or

partial shadesandy toloamy


Yucca glauca soapweedyuccawhite tocream 2-4 May-Jun ull sun silty to loamy yucca moths

Perennial Flowers

Asclepias asperulassp . capricornu antelopehorns

greenish-white 1-2 May-Aug ull sun silty

moths,butterfies,

bees, waspsX

Asclepias tuberosa butterfymilkweed orange 18-24 May-Sep ull sunwell drainedsandy, loamy,or limestone

mothsbutterfies,bees, wasps

X

Astragalusmissouriensis

Missourimilkvetch

pinkish-purple 6-8 Apr-Jul ull sun sandy, silty

bees,bumblebees

Baptisia australisvar . minor

blue wildindigo blue 18-24 May-Jun ull sun silty to loamy

bees,bumblebees


19/2419


Botanical Name CommonName Color HeightFlowerSeason Sun Soil

Visitation byPollinator

Also ahostplant

Callirhoeinvolucrata

purplepoppymallow

deep rose-pink 6-12 May-Sep ull sun

gravelly tosandy

bees,bumblebees,

fies,butterfies

Delphiniumcarolinianum ssp .

virescensCarolinalarkspur

white tingedwith purple 1-2 May-Jun ull sun silty to loamy moths

Echinaceaangustifolia

blacksamsonechinacea pale purple 2-3 Jun-Jul ull sun various


Echinocereusreichenbachii ssp .

baileyi

Baileyshedgehog

cactuspinkish 4-12 May-Jun ull sun various welldrained

bees,bumblebees,

fies,butterfies

Liatris punctatadotted blazing

starpinkish-purple 10-24 Aug-Oct ull sun sandy loam

bees,bumblebees,

fies,butterfies

Oenotheramacrocarpa

big ruit eveningprimrose yellow 8-12 May-Jul ull sun

rocky orsandy, well

drainedhawkmoths

Penstemoncobaea

cobaeabeardtongue

pinkish-whitewith purple

lines1-2 Apr-May ull sun calceroussandy loam

bees,bumblebees

Solidagomissouriensis

Missourigoldenrod yellow 2-3 Jul-Oct ull sun

sandy toclayey loam

bees,bumblebees,

fies,butterfies

Vernonia baldwinii Baldwinsironweed purple 3-5 Jul-Sep ull sunsandy to

clayey loam

bees,bumblebees,

fies,butterfies

Vines

Cucurbitafoetidissima Missouri gourd yellow 6-18 May-Aug ull sun alluvial squash bees


20/24


Habitat HintsFOR THE Southwest Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CR

Bumble Digger LgCarpenterSm

CarpenterSquash/Gourd Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer

Yellow-faced Andrenid

F L O W E R SCatalpa xCatnip x x xClover x x

Columbine xCow parsley xGoldenrod x x x xImpatiens x

Irises x x

Lavender x x x xMilkwort x

Morning glory xPenstemon x x x

Passion fowers xPhacelia x x x x x x x xPotentilla x

Rose x x x x xSalvia x x x x x

Saxi rages x x

Sorrel xSunfowers x x x x x x x x

Violet x xWild Mustard x xWillow catkins x x

C R O P SAlmond x x xApple x

Blueberry x x xCherry x x

Eggplant x x xGooseberry x xLegumes x x x x

Water melon x xSquash/

Pumpkins/Gourds

x x

Tomatoes x x x xThyme x x x x x


21/2421


Habitat and Nesting requirements:

MONARCHBUTTERFLIES

NEVER FAIL TO

CATCH THE

VISITORS EYE

AND ALWAYS

LEAD TO

A TEACHABLE

MOMENT. -- LOGAN LEE,

PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR

MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS

PRAIRIE

Bumble Bees:Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down ower pots, under boards,and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring anddont 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 coldertemperatures than honey bees, even ying in light rain.

Large carpenter bees:Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbersincluding redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles peryear. 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 usuallyactive in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.

Small carpenter bees:Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in themorning but can be found at other times.

Squash and Gourd bees:Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) orpathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn.Males often sleep in the wilted owers.

Leafcutter bees:

Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created byemerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout theday even in hot weather.

Mason bees:Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, orhuman-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted intocans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours.

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.

Plasterer or cellophane bees:Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day.

Yellow-faced bees:In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours.

Andrenid bees:Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. Thesegenerally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on owers during the morningwhen pollen and nectar resources are abundant.


22/24


Become familiar with pollinatorsin 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 rstget started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow ower that

blooms in the fall.n Consult a local eld guide or web site when you are ready to

learn more details.

Add native plants to attract morenative pollinators.

n List the plants you currently have in your landscape.n Determine when you need additional owers 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 Dont 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 landscapepractices to support thepollinators 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 changesthat you have helped to create!

A Basic Checklist


23/2423


Resources

Feedback

We need your help to create betterguides for other parts of North

America. Please e-mail your input to [email protected] or fax to 415-362-3070 .

n How will you use this guide?

n Do you nd the directionsclear? If not, please tell us

what is unclear.

n Is there any information you

feel is missing from the guide?n Any other comments?

Thank youfor taking

the time to help!

Many books, websites, and people were consulted to gather informationfor this guide. Use this list as a

starting point to learn more about pollinators and plants in your area.

Baileys Ecoregion Maps

USDA Forest Servicehttp://www.fs.fed.us/land/ ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html

Pollination/Pollinators

Pollinator Partnership www.pollinator.org

Coevolution Institute www.coevolution.org

Natural ResourcesConservation Service

www.nrcs.usda.gov

North American PollinatorProtection Campaign www.nappc.orgUSDA Forest Service www.fs.fed.us/wild owers/pollinators/

Wild Farm Alliance www.wildfarmalliance.org

Xerces Society Pollinator Program www.xerces.orgShepherd, MD, S. Buchmann,M. Vaughan, and S. Black.2003. Pollinator Conservation

Handbook. Xerces Society forInvertebrate Conservation.Portland, OR.

Illinois Natural History Survey www.inhs.uiuc.edu

Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan.1997. The Forgotten PollinatorsIsland Press: Washington, DC.

Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007.Status of Pollinators in North America

The National Academies Press: Washington, DC.

Native Plants

Plant Conservation Alliance www.nps.gov/plants

Seeds o Success www.nps.gov/plants/sos

Lady Bird Johnson WildfowerCenter

www.wild ower.org/plants/ USDA Hardiness Zone Map www.usna.usda/Hardzone/

U.S. National Arboretum www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ ushzmap.html

USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTSDatabase www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007National Plant Data Center,Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA

Native Bees

National Sustainable In ormationService

Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees by Lane Greer, NCAT AgricultureSpecialist, Published 1999, ATTRAPublication #IP126 www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ nativebee.html

Agriculture Research Service Plants Attractive to Native Beestable www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=12052

Christopher OToole and AnthonyRaw. 1999. Bees of the World.Blandford. London, UK.

Butter ies and Moths

Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan,Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue,coordinators. 2006. Butter ies andMoths of North America. Bozeman,MT: NBII Mountain PrairieInformation Node. www.butter iesandmoths.org/ (Version 07192007)

Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman.

2003. Butter ies of North America.Houghton Mif in. New York, NY.

North American Buterfy Association www.naba.org


24/24

Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley

Spephen Buchmann, PH.D.Larry Stritch, PH.D.

Gil Soltz

Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Concept review:

American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron GaskellBureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier,

Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth WoosterNational Garden Association, Susanne DeJohnPlant Conservation Alliance Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette,

Mary Ann Lawler, Ron SmithSmithsonian 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-SolteroUSDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson,

Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D.USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers

Photo Contributors:

Lew Scharpf; www.pbase.com/lejun

Illustrations:

Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy o this brochure, or or another region, visit www.pollinator.org

The Pollinator Partnership/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign

Plant Conservation Alliance

NAPPC

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