Goldenrod

Goldenrod adds vibrant yellow color to gardens from late summer into fall. Its dense clusters of tiny flowers are a magnet for a wide array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps.

Goldenrod blooms when many other nectar sources fade, providing crucial late-season food. Contrary to common belief, goldenrod does not cause seasonal allergies, as its pollen is too heavy to be windborne.

The plant is hardy, thriving in most soils, and requires little maintenance. Goldenrod’s upright stems and bushy nature make it suitable for both wild gardens and formal borders.

Planting goldenrod in masses ensures visual impact and amplifies its attractiveness to pollinators. For gardeners aiming to support monarch butterflies, goldenrod plays a key role as a nectar source during migration.

Agastache

Agastache, commonly known as anise hyssop or hummingbird mint, stands out for tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or orange. It is prized by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for its rich nectar and long flowering season.

The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant, anise-like scent when brushed or crushed. Agastache thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought once established.

It can grow up to three feet tall, making it a strong vertical accent in garden beds or borders. The flowers are excellent for both fresh arrangements and dried bouquets, adding value beyond pollinator support.

Gardeners often plant agastache alongside other pollinator plants like bee balm or lavender to create a continuous display of color and forage. Its resistance to deer and tolerance of poor soils make it a low-maintenance choice for eco-friendly landscapes.

Unique Choices: Trees and Shrubs That Support Pollinators

Certain trees and shrubs play a vital role in attracting pollinators while also providing habitat and shelter throughout multiple seasons. These woody plants often offer a longer bloom period, making them an essential part of garden biodiversity.

Willow

Willows (Salix species) are among the earliest food sources for pollinators in spring. Their catkins, which appear before the leaves, supply abundant pollen and nectar.

Bees, including native species and honeybees, rely on willows when few other blooming plants are available. Willows thrive in damp or riverine environments but can adapt to various garden conditions.

Their spreading habit creates protective shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Gardeners can choose from a wide range of willow types, from small shrubs to larger trees.

Willows also help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making them valuable for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly landscapes. They grow quickly and are low maintenance, ideal for creating a structured habitat where pollinators can thrive.

The upright branches and dense growth form a natural refuge from wind and predators.

Crabapple

Crabapple trees (Malus species) are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and even some birds due to their showy, fragrant spring blossoms. Flowers cover the branches densely, offering an early-season banquet of pollen and nectar.

Their diverse bloom colors, from white to deep pink, add considerable aesthetic value to the garden. Crabapple trees are reliable bloomers that fit landscapes of various sizes.

Some cultivars are small, shrub-like forms suitable for compact gardens, while others mature into medium-sized trees. Besides supporting pollinators, crabapples are also a food source for wildlife—birds enjoy the small fruits in fall and winter.

The multi-season appeal and their adaptability to different climates make crabapples a favorite for pollinator gardens. They can act as anchor points in mixed borders, offer partial shade, and support beneficial insects throughout the year.

Crabapples can also help break up wind, providing shelter for active insects.

California Lilac

California lilac (Ceanothus species) is prized for its dense clusters of blue, violet, or white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. These shrubs are magnets for bees, particularly native solitary bees and bumblebees, as well as butterflies.

Their nectar-rich blooms provide a crucial food source during periods when other flowers are less abundant. California lilac is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent option for low-water landscapes in suitable climates.

Their evergreen foliage and dense branching structure supply year-round habitat and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. Ceanothus species vary in size, from prostrate groundcovers to upright shrubs and small trees.

The combination of colorful flowers, fragrant scent, and the ability to fix nitrogen in soil makes California lilac a multifunctional asset for any pollinator-focused garden. These shrubs also require minimal maintenance once established and offer protection from predators and harsh weather, creating a stable refuge for pollinating species.

For a detailed overview of recommended pollinator shrubs, see this guide on attracting pollinators with shrubs.

Supporting Native Pollinators with Flora

A well-balanced garden relies on the right mix of native plants, host plants, and habitat for ground-nesting bees. Healthy pollinator populations help increase yields in vegetable gardens, maintain local biodiversity, and support diverse wildlife.

Native Plants for Regional Wildlife

Native plants form the foundation for resilient, pollinator-friendly gardens. They offer familiar food sources for local bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

These plants are better adapted to local climates, which means they typically require less water and maintenance. Species like goldenrod, aster, and milkweed are excellent for attracting native bees and butterflies.

Planting a diverse range of flowering natives ensures blooms from early spring through late fall. This extended flowering period provides continuous nectar and pollen, supporting pollinator health throughout the growing season.

Regional pollinators depend strongly on native species, as they have co-evolved to utilize these plants. Gardeners can find comprehensive lists of pollinator-friendly native plants by region through resources such as the Xerces Society’s plant lists.

Host Plants for Caterpillars and Butterfly Larvae

Supporting pollinator populations means providing host plants for butterfly larvae and caterpillars. These host plants are essential food sources for the developing young of butterflies and moths.

Without them, adult butterflies might visit a garden, but their offspring cannot survive. Milkweed is the primary host plant for monarch caterpillars.

Parsley, fennel, and dill support swallowtail larvae. Oaks, willows, and violets provide for dozens of native butterfly and moth species.

Planting these host species ensures future generations of pollinators will thrive. Grouping host plants together makes them easier for butterflies to locate.

Native host plant choices should match local wildlife preferences for the best results.

Ground-Nesting Bees and Their Needs

Approximately 70% of native bee species nest in the ground, making habitat for these pollinators critical. Unlike honey bees, ground-nesters create tunnels in bare or lightly mulched, well-drained soils.

They do not form hives and are generally non-aggressive. To support them, gardeners should leave some areas of bare soil undisturbed.

Avoid regular tilling and minimize the use of mulch in these spots. Sunny, south-facing slopes provide optimal nesting sites for many solitary bee species.

A pollinator-friendly garden also avoids pesticides that can harm ground-nesting bee populations. Combining undisturbed soil with a variety of native plants dramatically increases chances for successful nesting and garden pollination.

For tips on eliminating pesticide use to protect pollinators, see this detailed guide from UMN Extension.