Bees and Butterflies Need Native Plants
Caterpillars and Butterflies
Monarch caterpillar by Lisa Brown "Mean and Pinchy" Flickr.com
Did you know the larvae (caterpillars) of moths and butterflies can only eat one or a few types of plants? Although the adults can drink nectar from many flowers, they must lay their eggs on specific plants--otherwise, there will NOT be a next generation of butterflies and moths.
For monarchs, plant milkweeds. New research at Michigan State University found that cutting down 1/3 of common milkweed stalks, and the surrounding vegetation, in mid-June and cutting another 1/3 in mid-July increased the number of Monarch eggs and caterpillars. Click here for more details.
Here is a link to a list of other butterfly larval host and nectaring plants from Wildtype native plant nursery. Straight species, rather than cultivars, are best and can be purchased from native plant nurseries and native plant sales
If you are involved with a school garden project, or know children who love butterflies, here is a link with a lot of great kid friendly butterfly information here. Another good source of butterfly garden information can be found here.
For monarchs, plant milkweeds. New research at Michigan State University found that cutting down 1/3 of common milkweed stalks, and the surrounding vegetation, in mid-June and cutting another 1/3 in mid-July increased the number of Monarch eggs and caterpillars. Click here for more details.
Here is a link to a list of other butterfly larval host and nectaring plants from Wildtype native plant nursery. Straight species, rather than cultivars, are best and can be purchased from native plant nurseries and native plant sales
If you are involved with a school garden project, or know children who love butterflies, here is a link with a lot of great kid friendly butterfly information here. Another good source of butterfly garden information can be found here.
Native Plants for Pollinators
Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
Bees are declining due to a host of factors including pesticide use and loss of habitat. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee was recently listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You can help by planting native plants that provide nutritious pollen and nectar for these fascinating insects. For ideas on which plants will grow best in your soil and light conditions click here.
For maximum effect, plant the straight species rather than cultivars of native plants. You will find these at native plant nurseries and native plant sales.
Most native pollinators nest in the ground or in hollow plant stems. Leave spots with bare soil and keep the lower 15-20'" of perennial stalks standing to provide nesting places. You can even make simple bee houses to provide more nesting spots click here and here for details.
Provide a much needed water source for pollinators by placing pebbles in a shallow saucer. This allows them to drink without drowning. Change the water regularly.
Never use pesticides in your landscape and avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides at the nursery. These can be deadly to the pollinators you are trying to help.
For maximum effect, plant the straight species rather than cultivars of native plants. You will find these at native plant nurseries and native plant sales.
Most native pollinators nest in the ground or in hollow plant stems. Leave spots with bare soil and keep the lower 15-20'" of perennial stalks standing to provide nesting places. You can even make simple bee houses to provide more nesting spots click here and here for details.
Provide a much needed water source for pollinators by placing pebbles in a shallow saucer. This allows them to drink without drowning. Change the water regularly.
Never use pesticides in your landscape and avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides at the nursery. These can be deadly to the pollinators you are trying to help.