Landscaping Building pollinator habitats for Pollinators Design - - PDF document

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Landscaping for Pollinators

Sally Wencel

What w e w ill 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

• f 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 Flow ers 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)

3/31/2016 3 Pollinator Rew ards

• 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
• n 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

Flow ers that Attract Adult Butterflies

SHAPE Composite flowers Flowers that provide a landing platform Tightly 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

Flow ers 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
• f 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 pollinators

Blueberries 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

• nly ones w ho

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 Effectiveness

Blue 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
• n 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
• r citrus oils)
• Kaolin clay barriers

(Surround)

• Pheromone traps
• Mating disruptors

3/31/2016 6 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 w ith Native Plants Because they PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY:

• Evolved t

d togethe ther w with th lo local l wildlif ildlife and and support m support more of

• f their needs

their needs

• Ar

Are in e integr gral t al to a a health healthy y ec ecos

• system
• Requir

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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 A A A B B B B B B C B C F F L D D D D D C E E C C C C E E E E E H J K K K K K K

I=Monarda J=Passionflower vine K=Joe Pyeweed L=New Jersey Tea M=Mountain mint N=Compass plant/Goldenrod O=Rattlesnake master P=Purple coneflower

A A A A A A F F

Bench F P P P P P F P I I I I I I I I I I A A F M M M M M Redbud M

SUNNY MONARCH WAYSTATION

N N N F O O O

Annuals like Partridge pea can be used to supplement

• pen areas as perennials become established.

A=Pussytoes/Common cinquefoil B=New England aster C=Butterfly milkweed D=Ironweed E=Common milkweed F=Little bluestem/Switchgrass G=Coreopsis (mouse-ear, lanceleaf) H=Coral honeysuckle

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A=Pussytoes/Violets B=Mistflower C=Poke milkweed D=Dutchman’s Pipevine E=White milkweed F=Riveroats G=Coreopsis (mouse-ear, lanceleaf) H=Cardinal Flower

Wild Cherry Flowering Dogwood A A A A A A B B B B B C B C F L C C C C C D

I=Rose Verbena J=Passionflower vine L=Clethra M=Mountain mint O=Anise hyssop P=Woodland phlox

A A A A A A F

Bench P P P P P F P I I I I I I I I I I A A F M M M M M Pawpaw M

SHADY BORDER BUTTERFLY GARDEN

F O O O E E E E P H H H M A L L L A A

Native Host Plants Invite Egg-laying

Photo Denise Gehring Photo Jonna McRury Photo Denise Gehring Photo Photos Art Weber Photo Candy Sarikonda

Butterfly Egg

Native nectar plants benefit many butterflies and other pollinators

Photo Jackie Riley Photo Jan Hunter Photo Denise Gehring Photo Jackie 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 Sites

Ground Ne und Nests sts

About 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 Sites

Wood

• od T

Tunn unnel el Ne Nests

Around 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
• ut 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.

Maintenance

During 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

Use reputable native nurseries for plants and seeds from your area (local genotype).

Pussytoes

Antennaria spp.

• tolerate poor

soils, drought

• Host plants for

American Lady Butterfly

Violets

Viola spp.

• Fritillary host

plant

• Groundcover

for shady areas

• Free!

Eastern Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

• Early Spring nectar plant
• self sowing

Golden Alexanders

Zizia 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 Coreopsis

Coreopsis 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 Milkw eed

Asclepias variagata

• woodlands and

along shady roadsides

• Tolerates moist to

dry conditions

• Blooms in early

summer

• Also called “Red-

ring Milkweed”

Photo Barbara Olson

Common Milkw eed

Aesclepias Syriaca

• Pale pink

flowers, large pods

• Honey scent
• Attracts many

pollinators

• Vigorous,

spreads by rhizomes

Photo Pam Wolfe

3/31/2016 13

Sw amp Milkw eed

Asclepias incarnata

• Summer blooming
• Easy to divide and

transplant

• Also called Red

Milkweed

Butterfly Milkw eed

Asclepias tuberosa

• 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

Sunflow ers

Helianthus ssp.

• excellent for bees;

seeds for birds

• annuals & perennials
• H. angustifolius
• H. maximiliani

Pickerel Weed

Pontederia cordata

• Good for

ponds

• summer

blooming

Ox eye Sunflow er

Heliopsis helianthoides

• Long bloom period
• Excellent cut flower
• Good for rain gardens

and smaller areas

3/31/2016 14

Mountain Mints

Pycnanthemum spp.

• a mint but not

invasive

• dry and wet soil

tolerant

• attracts beneficial

insects

• Deer resistant

Hoary Narrowleaf

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

• Attracts beneficial

insects

• Long blooming

Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium

• Disappearing native
• f the tall grass

prairies

• Great winter interest

Passionflow er

Passiflora incarnata

• Gulf fritillary host plant
• Great nectar plant
• Easily grown from seed

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

• Attracts beneficial

insects

• tall and majestic
• late blooming

great fall color

Joe Pye w eed

Eutrochium ssp.

• late blooming
• very tall

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Mistflow er

Conoclinium coelestinum

• Blooms in fall
• adaptable
• fast spreading
• 2-3’ clumps

Pipevine

Aristolochia macrophylla Host plant of the Pipevine Swallowtail

Coral Honeysuckle Vine

Lonicera sempervirens

• Long bloom period
• Hummingbirds,

bees, butterflies

• Evergreen foliage

Don’t forget Shrubs!

Bottlebrush buckeye with Eastern Tiger Swallowtails

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

• host plant for

Spicebush swallowtail

• need both male

and female plant to create berries

• aromatic

deciduous leaves

Summersw eet

Clethra alnifolia

• full sun to full

shade

• deciduous
• will bloom in

shade

• colorful nativars

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New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

• small deciduous

shrub

• drought-tolerant
• full sun/part

shade

• host plant for

smaller butterflies

• nectar plant

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus

• ccidentalis
• 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