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Landscaping for PollinatorsSally Wencel

What we will cover:

• The mechanics of pollination

• The importance of animal pollinators

• Attracting and sustaining pollinators

• Building pollinator habitats• Design considerations• Preparation• Materials• Maintenance

What is Pollination?• An ecosystem process that has evolved over millions of

years to benefit both flowering plants and pollinators

• The process of transferring pollen from one flower to another or to a different part of the same flower

The best strategy for genetic diversity is Cross Pollination which involves pollen from the anther of one plant fertilizing the stigma of another plant

Pollination• Some flowering plants are pollinated by wind or water

• More than 85% of flowering plants require animals to move pollen

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Plant Reproduction• Some plants have “perfect” flowers and can self-

pollinate

• Some plants have “imperfect” flowers that have either male or female parts on the same plant

• Some plants are only male or female (dioecious)

Most pollination services

ARE FREE!!!!

Pollinators are Diverse

• Wild Bees (4,000 species in the US)

• Managed Bees (Honey bees are not native)

• Wasps

• Butterflies & Moths

• Beetles & Flies

• Bats

• Hummingbirds

Pollinators and Flowers Evolved Together

• Hummingbird flowers are tubular and red but scentless

• Butterfly flowers are typically composite flowers (asters) and provide landing platforms

• Bee flowers are diverse, like bees, but are usually yellow and often in the aster family

• Bumblebees appear to prefer complex flowers like blueberries

• Flowers pollinated by moths and bats are usually white and highly scented

• Fly pollinated flowers usually smell like rotten meat (Pawpaw)

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Pollinator Rewards• Some seek nectar but transfer

pollen attached to their bodies from plant to plant

• Some (bees and wasps) collect pollen to feed their young and themselves

• Some pollinators (beetles) feed on the plants and flowers and incidentally transport pollen

Generalists vs Specialists• Pollinators that target specific flowers are

“specialists” (Squash bees)• Specialists are more productive

• Pollinators that forage a wide range of flower are “generalists” (Honey bees)

• Most pollinators are generalists

Flowers that Attract Adult ButterfliesSHAPE Composite flowers

Flowers that provide a landing platformTightly clustered flower

SIZE Larger butterflies prefer taller plants

COLOR White, pink, purple, red, yellow and orange are most attractive. Blue and green the least attractive (can see ultraviolet colors as well)

FRAGRANCE Strong sweet fragrances promise nectar and are highly attractive

Flowers that Attract Bees

COLOR Yellow, Blue, White; Bees cannot see the color Red

SHAPE -Landing platforms-Composites, with tight clusters in the center surrounded by colorful petals-Columnar, with flowers that open slowly from bottom to top encourage return visits-Complex flowers like blueberries invite buzz pollination

FRAGRANCE Sweet scents attract bees, suggesting nectar is available

STRIPES Serve as road signs pointing toward pollen and nectar like Azaleas and Penstemons (some markings are ultraviolet)

TINY BUNCHED Bunched flowers like Anise Hyssop and Mountain Mint invite bees of all sizes

What about hybrids?• Hybrids and cultivars (selections) are chosen for their

unusual forms and colors

• Unusual forms and colors can often also result in • Lower pollen and nectar yields• Pollinator specialists not able to recognize the flower

New England Aster – “straight species” New England Aster “Alma Poetschke”

Best Pollinators?• Bees are the most

productive

• Butterflies may spread pollen further and advance genetic diversity

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Pollination and Human Nutrition

• 35% of crop production worldwide

• Over $18 to $27 billion value of corps in the US ($217 B worldwide)

• One in three mouthfuls of food and drink we consume

• Most of our vitamins and minerals are from insect-pollinated plants

• Also fibers, essential oils, and more

Crops that need pollinatorsBlueberries Southeastern blueberry bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees

Eggplant Bumble bees, Solitary bees

Squash (all types, including pumpkin)*

Squash bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees

Cantaloupe, Melon* Squash bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees

Berries (Raspberry, Blackberry, Elderberry, etc)

Honey bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees, Flies, Longhorn beetles

Kiwifruit* Honey bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees

Fruit trees Honey bees, Bumble bees, Solitary bees, Flies

* Indicates pollinators are essential

We’re Not the only ones who rely on pollinators for our food

White-eyed vireo

• 25% of bird and mammal diets consist of pollinator-produced seeds/fruit

• Pollinators are food for wildlife• Habitat with high native plant

diversity supports abundant beneficial insects, other wildlife, and overall biodiversity

Benefits of Native Bees in Crops

Native bees are highly efficient:• Active earlier & later in the

day• Collect both pollen &

nectar• Buzz pollinate

Bumble bee buzz pollinating a tomato flower

Native Bee Pollination EffectivenessBlue Orchard Bee• 250 to 750 females/acre

compared to 2.5 honey bee hives

• Make contact with anther and stigma on almost every visit

• Active at low light and low temperatures

• 33+ hours foraging in 5 days• 15+ hours by honey bees

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IPBES* Report• 20,000 species of wild bees worldwide

• 75% of world’s food crops depend at least in part on pollination

• 300% increase in volume of agricultural production dependent on animal pollination in past 50 years

• 16.5% of vertebrate pollinators threatened with extinction globally

• >40% of invertebrate pollinator species –particularly bees and butterflies – facing extinction

*UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services report released February 26, 2016

Threats• Loss of habitat through landscaping practices

• Loss of shelter & nesting sites• Loss of food sources (host, nectar and pollen sources)• Lack of water

• Climate change

• Agricultural practices including pesticide use

Bees in Decline

• One third of bumble bee species in North America at risk of extinction

• As bees decline, crop acreage requiring bee pollination grows

• From 1961 to 2006, a 300% increase in total acreage

Pesticides

• Most pollinator poisoning occurs when pollinator-toxic pesticides are applied during blooming period

• Poisoning can also result from• Pesticide drift from adjoining areas• Pesticide residues being picked up by

foraging pollinators when taken back to the nest/colony

• Pollinators drinking or touching contaminated water sources, including dew on recently treated plants

Organic Pesticides• Organic-Approved Pesticides

• Pyrethrins = Dangerous for bees and beneficial insects• Spinosad = Dangerous for bees and beneficial insects

• Okay when not directly applied to bees (i.e. non-blooming crops or at night):

• Insecticidal soap• Horticultural oil, Neem

Not Always = Safe for Pollinators

Safer pest management options

• Bt• Insect repellents (garlic

or citrus oils)• Kaolin clay barriers

(Surround)• Pheromone traps• Mating disruptors

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Pollinator Saving Strategies• Provide:

• Food throughout the growing season including host plants, nectar & pollen

The more floral diversity the better• Shelter• Nesting habitat• Water

• Avoid using pesticides• Management only to maintain habitat, and then –

ideally – only manage 30% at a time• Nesting and overwintering habitats: a diversity of

structures

We Landscape with Native Plants Because theyPROMOTE BIODIVERSITY:• Evolved together with local wildlife

and support more of their needs• Are integral to a healthy ecosystem• Require fewer chemicals

Native Plant Field Borders and Pest Management

• Emerging Research: Sand wasp predation of brown marmorated stinkbugs

• Spotted bee balm (Monarda punctata) and mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) as nectar plants for wasps

Research by Dave Biddinger, Penn State University

Native Plant Field Borders and Pollination

In 2011, Michigan researchers observed 12% higher blueberry yields adjacent to wildflower plantings.

Increased yields may pay off the cost of establishing wildflowers in 3-to-4 years.

3 Easy Steps

• Create a Diversity of Bloom• NATIVE PLANTS!

• Protect Nests and Egg-Laying Sites

• Don’t Use Pesticides

Diversity of Bloom• Reduce your lawn

• Reduce your use of chemicals

• Plant native trees

• Plant densely and in communities

• Add pollen, nectar and host plants –Pollinator Gardens

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Butterfly Gardens Butterfly Design Considerations

• Select plants to bloom across seasons

• Plant at least 12 milkweed plants for Monarchs

• Use native grasses for vertical structure

• Plant in “sweeps and swathes”

• Don’t forget to put in pathways

Other Considerations• Protect from wind

• Provide mud puddles

• Leave rotten fruit on the ground as food

• Provide both sunny areas and places to hide

Butterfly & Moth Native Host Plants

Plant specific host plants as food for caterpillars

Monarch: milkweeds

Viceroy: willow, poplar

Black Swallowtail: golden alexanders

E. Tiger Swallowtail: tulip poplar, willow, cherry, birch

Fritillaries: violets, passionvine

Spicebush Swallowtail: spicebush, sassafras

Silver-spotted skipper: false indigo

American Lady: pussytoes

Zebra Swallowtail: pawpaw trees (only host plant)

Pearl Crescent: asters

Pipevine Swallowtail: Dutchman’s pipe

Painted, American Lady: thistle, mallow, everlasting

Red Admiral, Comma, Question Mark: nettles, hops, elm tree

Luna moth: birch, hickory, sweet gum, sumac, walnut

Cecropia moth: willow, cherry, maple, dogwood

Preferred Native Nectar Plants• Milkweed

• Phlox

• New Jersey Tea

• Monarda

• Buttonbush

• Wild indigo

• Boneset

• Coneflowers

• Vervain

• Mountain mint

• Joe-pye weed

• Coreopsis

• Black-eyed Susan

• Blazing star

• Ironweed

• Sunflowers

• Goldenrod

• Asters A

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SUNNY MONARCH WAYSTATION

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Annuals like Partridge pea can be used to supplement open areas as perennials become established.

A=Pussytoes/Common cinquefoilB=New England asterC=Butterfly milkweedD=IronweedE=Common milkweedF=Little bluestem/SwitchgrassG=Coreopsis (mouse-ear, lanceleaf)H=Coral honeysuckle

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A=Pussytoes/VioletsB=MistflowerC=Poke milkweedD=Dutchman’s PipevineE=White milkweedF=RiveroatsG=Coreopsis (mouse-ear, lanceleaf)H=Cardinal Flower

Wild Cherry FloweringDogwood

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SHADY BORDER BUTTERFLY GARDEN

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Native Host Plants Invite Egg-laying

Photo Denise Gehring

Photo Jonna McRury

PhotoDenise Gehring

Photo

Photos Art WeberPhotoCandy Sarikonda

Butterfly Egg

Native nectar plants benefit many butterflies and other pollinators

Photo Jackie Riley

Photo Jan Hunter

PhotoDenise Gehring

PhotoJackie Riley

Photo Denise Gehring

Photo Erin Vastag

Bee Landscapes

Bee-Friendly Gardening• Provide flowers from

March to October that provide nectar and pollen

• Plant in masses

• Provide water

• Do not use pesticides and avoid buying plants treated with systemic pesticides

Gardening for Bees-Habitat

• Bare ground

• Bee Houses and Hotels

• Designed for solitary bees like Mason and Leafcutters

• Can be simple or elaborate

• Ideas, kits, and models available

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Types of Nests and SitesGround NestsAbout 70% of North American bee species are solitary ground nesters. Their nests look similar to ant holes. Leave some semi-bare ground to provide nesting sites and avoid disturbances like tilling and mulching.

Types of Nests and SitesWood Tunnel NestsAround 30% of native bees nest in wood tunnels. Leaving beetle-riddled snags and providing plants with pithy stems can provide habitat for mason and leafcutter bees

Site Selection

• Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of sun

• The larger the area, the better

• Consider ripping up your lawn!

Pollinator Garden Design

• Start by drawing out garden area

• Consider pollinator habitat requirements

• Research local plant options and ideas

• Prepare new garden areas

• Plant!

“Companion Plants” for Vegetable Gardens

Native Plants attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Design by Benjamin Vogt http://www.houzz.com/photos/28415040/Garden-Plans-eclectic-other-metro

Installing Pollinator Habitats

• For large projects, refer to publications like http://www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/

• For small projects, many of the same principals but less investment of time and materials

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Site Preparation• Good site preparation is

critical• May require more than one

season• May require more than one

method• Focus on invasive,

persistent, perennial weeds

First, Do No Harm• Avoid tilling• Avoid herbicides • Do smother weeds• Do solarize

Installation

• For projects greater than 500 square feet, consider using seed, which will flower in 3-5 years

• For medium-sized areas, rooted seedlings (plugs) will lead to flowering in 1-2 years

• For gardens, larger perennials will usually bloom that year.

MaintenanceDuring establishment weed control is essential• Spot-spraying• Mowing/ String-

trimming• Hand-weeding

Mulching• Mulching with natural

materials can help suppress weeds and keep soils moist

• Provide bare soil for ground-nesting bees

• Avoid disturbing garden areas-they are habitat!

Maintenance (long-term)• Protect some vegetation

against rodents/deer-browse• Avoid using pesticides

(including in adjacent areas)• Mowing/burning to reduce

weed pressure but not during wildlife nesting times

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Plant Selections

Photo Denise Gehring

Photo Claire KimPhoto Bob Jacksy Photo Bob Jacksy

Photo Pam Wolfe

Use reputable native nurseries for plants

and seeds from your area (local genotype).

Photo Jan Hunter

PussytoesAntennaria spp.

• tolerate poor soils, drought

• Host plants for American Lady Butterfly

VioletsViola spp.• Fritillary host

plant

• Groundcover for shady areas

• Free!

Eastern ColumbineAquilegia canadensis• Early Spring nectar plant

• self sowing

Golden AlexandersZizia aurea• Host plant for black

swallowtail

• Attracts small beneficial wasps, bees, and flies

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Phlox• 11 species

native to this area

• creeping to tall

• sun to shade

Penstemons• Early nectar plant

• Attracts bumble bees and mason bees

Penstemon digitalis

Lanceleaf CoreopsisCoreopsis lanceolata• Attracts

beneficial insects

• Tolerates poor soil and drought

• Extended bloom time

• Good for naturalizing

Baptisia• Baptisia

australis• nitrogen

fixing

• drought tolerant

• host for skipper

White MilkweedAsclepias variagata• woodlands and

along shady roadsides

• Tolerates moist to dry conditions

• Blooms in early summer

• Also called “Red-ring Milkweed”

Photo Barbara Olson

Common MilkweedAesclepiasSyriaca• Pale pink

flowers, large pods

• Honey scent

• Attracts many pollinators

• Vigorous, spreads by rhizomes

Photo Pam Wolfe

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Swamp MilkweedAsclepias incarnata• Summer blooming

• Easy to divide and transplant

• Also called Red Milkweed

Butterfly MilkweedAsclepiastuberosa• Summer blooming

• Drought tolerant

• Doesn’t transplant well

Monarda/Bee balms(Monarda sp.)• 7 native species

• member of the mint family

• Attracts beneficial insects

• makes great tea

SunflowersHelianthus ssp.• excellent for bees;

seeds for birds

• annuals & perennials

H. angustifolius H. maximiliani

Pickerel WeedPontederiacordata• Good for

ponds• summer

blooming

Ox eye SunflowerHeliopsishelianthoides• Long bloom period

• Excellent cut flower

• Good for rain gardens and smaller areas

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Mountain MintsPycnanthemum spp.• a mint but not

invasive

• dry and wet soil tolerant

• attracts beneficial insects

• Deer resistant

Hoary

Narrowleaf

Great Blue LobeliaLobelia siphilitica• Attracts beneficial

insects

• Long blooming

Rattlesnake MasterEryngiumyuccifolium• Disappearing native

of the tall grass prairies

• Great winter interest

PassionflowerPassiflora incarnata• Gulf fritillary host plant

• Great nectar plant

• Easily grown from seed

New England AsterSymphyotrichumnovae-angliae

• Attracts beneficial insects

• tall and majestic

• late blooming great fall color

Joe Pye weedEutrochium ssp.• late blooming

• very tall

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MistflowerConocliniumcoelestinum• Blooms in fall

• adaptable

• fast spreading

• 2-3’ clumps

PipevineAristolochia macrophyllaHost plant of the PipevineSwallowtail

Coral Honeysuckle VineLonicera sempervirens• Long bloom period

• Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

• Evergreen foliage

Don’t forget Shrubs!

Bottlebrush buckeye with Eastern Tiger Swallowtails

SpicebushLindera benzoin• host plant for

Spicebush swallowtail

• need both male and female plant to create berries

• aromatic deciduous leaves

SummersweetClethra alnifolia• full sun to full

shade

• deciduous

• will bloom in shade

• colorful nativars

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New Jersey TeaCeanothusamericanus• small deciduous

shrub

• drought-tolerant

• full sun/part shade

• host plant for smaller butterflies

• nectar plant

ButtonbushCephalanthusoccidentalis• fast-growing shrub

• flowers in June-September

• seed clusters attract birds in fall

Trees for Pollinators• American

Hackberry• Wild Cherry• Elms• Pawpaw• Sassafras• Locust• Redbud• Willow

Where to Get Native Plants• Trailhead Nursery• Reflection Riding Spring and Fall Plant

Sales• Specialty Seed Catalogues• Area native plant nurseries• Native Plant Conferences

• Trails and Trilliums – Sewanee• Ijams Nature Center – Knoxville• Cullowhee Native Plant Symposium –

Cullowhee, NC

Recommended Reading“Bees In Your Backyard” by Joseph Wilson and Olivia Messinger Carrill

“Attracting Native Pollinators”, Xerces Society

“Farming with Native Beneficial Insects”, Xerces Society

“Gardening for Butterflies”, Xerces Society

Learn More

• www.tennesseevalley.wildones.org

• www.wildones.org