Best Plants For Pollinators

Did you know that over 80% of the world’s food is directly or indirectly the result of pollination? Plants don’t exist by themselves and can only be produced by crops by pollinators. Have you ever wondered which plant is suitable for an environment dominated by rainforests or flowers? Here are some of the best plants for pollinators

Aster

Asters are a group of hardy, fall-blooming plants found in the wild throughout North America. These daisy-like flowers come in various colors and attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Blanketflower

Blanketflower is a perennial native to the United States. It grows in open meadows and prairies and can grow two feet tall. It blooms from July to September, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Blue Mistflower

A native perennial wildflower that grows up to 3 feet tall, the blue mistflower produces long-lasting blue flower clusters that bloom from July to frost. Its nectar and pollen attract bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Butterfly Weed

The Butterfly Weed is a native plant, making it an excellent choice for pollinators. It is easy to grow and resistant to disease, ideal for a beginner gardener. The butterfly weed is a perennial, which means it will come back year after year without reseeding. This plant grows in clumps that can get up to 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall. 

Columbine

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a popular perennial wildflower that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Columbine is an easy plant to grow, and ants distribute the seeds. The bright petals open in June, and flowers bloom until fall.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is probably one of the best plants for bees because it blooms right as many other flowers are starting to die down. Honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators will flock to these plants when they want a late-season snack.

Ironweed

Ironweed is an excellent native wildflower for providing nectar and pollen to butterfly caterpillars, bees, moths, and other pollinators. Ironweed is a tall plant that grows to 4-5 feet and has purple flowers. The leaves are dark green and fuzzy. A large field of ironweed looks beautiful in a late summer garden or meadow.

Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum), which grows to at least 6 feet tall, is an excellent plant for attracting butterflies. It blooms from July through September and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. This plant is an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds, honeybees, monarchs, swallowtails, and other pollinators.

Conclusion

Pollinators are critical to the survival of many plant species, but they’re also crucial to human survival. These pollinators contribute to at least 75% of the earth’s flowering plants and more than two-thirds of all crops, providing 90% of our food. The decline in pollinator populations is a complex issue, but it’s clear that human activity has played a significant role. By planting even one or two flowers from this list, you can help these beautiful creatures survive—and in turn, we’ll all benefit. Contact a native plant nursery for some of these varieties.