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3/31/2016
1
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
A
A
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A
A
BB
BB
BB
C
B
C
F
FL
D D D DD
C
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CCC C
E
EE
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H J
KKK
K
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I=MonardaJ=Passionflower vine
K=Joe PyeweedL=New Jersey Tea
M=Mountain mintN=Compass plant/Goldenrod
O=Rattlesnake masterP=Purple coneflower
AA
A
A
A A
F
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puddle
BenchF
PP
P
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II
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MMM
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Redbud
M
SUNNY MONARCH WAYSTATION
NN
N F
OO
O
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
A
A
A
AA
A
BB
B
B
B
C
B
C
F
L
C
CC
CC
D
I=Rose VerbenaJ=Passionflower vineL=ClethraM=Mountain mintO=Anise hyssopP=Woodland phlox
A
A
AA
AA
F
puddle
Bench
PPP
P
P
F
P
I
I
I
II
I
II
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IA
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MM
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Pawpaw
M
SHADY BORDER BUTTERFLY GARDEN
F
O
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EE E
EP
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LL
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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