Pollinators are essential for a healthy ecosystem and a bountiful garden. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other creatures play a vital role in plant reproduction, ensuring we have fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Creating a pollinator paradise in your backyard is not only beneficial for the environment but also rewarding for you, providing a colorful and vibrant space to enjoy. While many focus on flowers, trees, shrubs, and vines offer substantial resources for pollinators, often providing food and habitat during crucial times of the year. This guide explores how to incorporate these woody plants into your pollinator garden, making it a haven for these vital creatures.
Why Trees, Shrubs & Vines are Essential for Pollinators
While herbaceous flowering plants often get the spotlight in pollinator gardens, trees, shrubs, and vines are equally important. Here's why:
- Early Season Food Source: Many trees and shrubs bloom early in the spring, providing a crucial food source for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy when other resources are scarce.
- Habitat and Nesting Sites: Trees, shrubs, and vines offer shelter, nesting sites, and overwintering habitats for various pollinators. Leafcutter bees, for example, use leaves from certain trees to build their nests [1].
- Larval Host Plants: Certain trees, shrubs, and vines serve as host plants for butterfly and moth larvae, providing food for caterpillars before they transform into adult pollinators. The Monarch butterfly, for example, relies on milkweed plants, but many other butterfly species depend on trees and shrubs [2].
- Extended Bloom Times: Some trees, shrubs, and vines have longer bloom times compared to herbaceous plants, providing a consistent food source for pollinators over an extended period.
- Structural Diversity: Incorporating trees, shrubs, and vines adds structural diversity to your garden, creating a more complex and attractive habitat for a wider range of pollinators.
Top Trees for Pollinators
Trees provide a wealth of resources for pollinators, offering nectar, pollen, and habitat. Here are some excellent choices for your pollinator garden:
Native Fruit Trees
Native fruit trees like crabapples (Malus spp.), cherries (Prunus spp.), and plums (Prunus spp.) are fantastic for pollinators. Their spring blossoms are a magnet for bees and other insects. Choose varieties that are native to your region for best results [3].
- Crabapples: Offer abundant nectar and pollen in spring. The fruits also provide food for birds in the fall and winter.
- Cherries and Plums: Provide early season nectar and pollen for bees. Be sure to select disease-resistant varieties.
Willow (Salix spp.)
Willows are among the earliest trees to bloom in spring, providing a crucial food source for emerging bees and other pollinators. They are also host plants for several butterfly and moth species [4].
- Pussy Willow (Salix discolor): Its fuzzy catkins are a favorite of early-season bees.
- Black Willow (Salix nigra): A fast-growing tree that provides excellent habitat and food for pollinators.
Linden/Basswood (Tilia spp.)
Linden trees, also known as Basswood, are known for their fragrant flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. They bloom in mid-summer, providing a valuable food source when other flowers may be scarce [5].
- American Linden (Tilia americana): A large shade tree with highly fragrant flowers.
- Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata): A smaller, more compact variety suitable for smaller gardens.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbuds are beautiful ornamental trees with vibrant pink flowers that bloom in early spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. They are also host plants for Henry's Elfin butterfly [6].
Tip: When choosing trees, consider their mature size and plant them in a location where they will have enough space to grow. Also, opt for native species whenever possible, as they are best adapted to your local climate and provide the most benefit to local pollinators.
Shrubs for a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Shrubs offer a diverse range of flower shapes, sizes, and bloom times, making them an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. Here are some top choices:
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are magnets for butterflies. Their long, nectar-rich flower spikes attract a wide variety of butterfly species. While Buddleja davidii is popular, be aware that it can be invasive in some areas. Consider sterile cultivars or native alternatives [7].
Alternatives to consider if Buddleja davidii is invasive in your area:
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Also known as Milkweed, this is a host plant for Monarch butterflies.
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): This is a host plant for Spring Azure butterflies.
Viburnums (Viburnum spp.)
Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs with beautiful flowers and berries that attract pollinators and birds. They offer a variety of bloom times and growth habits, making them suitable for different garden settings [8].
- Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum): Native to eastern North America, with white flowers in spring and blue-black berries in fall.
- American Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum opulus var. americanum): Produces showy white flowers and bright red berries.
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)
While some hydrangeas have sterile flowers that offer little to no benefit to pollinators, others provide valuable nectar and pollen. Look for varieties with single, open flowers rather than the mophead types with mostly sterile florets [9].
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): Native to the southeastern United States, with large, oak-like leaves and cone-shaped flower clusters.
- Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): Native to eastern North America, with large, rounded flower heads. 'Annabelle' is a popular cultivar, but 'Incrediball' is said to have stronger stems.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a native shrub that blooms early in spring, providing a valuable food source for emerging pollinators. It is also the host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly [10].
Tip: Plant shrubs in groups of three or more to create a more significant visual impact and provide a larger foraging area for pollinators. Consider the mature size of the shrub when planting, and prune as needed to maintain its shape and health.
Vines to Attract Pollinators
Vines can add vertical interest to your pollinator garden, providing nectar, pollen, and habitat for a variety of pollinators. They can be grown on trellises, fences, or arbors.
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Trumpet honeysuckle is a native vine with bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It blooms over a long period, providing a consistent food source throughout the summer [11].
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
While not known for its showy flowers, Virginia creeper provides valuable nectar and pollen for pollinators, especially bees and flies. It is also a host plant for several butterfly and moth species and provides excellent fall color [12].
Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Many clematis varieties attract pollinators with their showy flowers. Choose varieties with single or semi-double flowers, as the fully double types often have reduced nectar and pollen [13].
- Native Clematis (Clematis virginiana): This vigorous vine provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Passionflowers are exotic-looking vines with intricate flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are also the host plant for the Gulf Fritillary butterfly [14].
Tip: Provide support for your vines to climb on, such as a trellis, fence, or arbor. Regular pruning may be necessary to keep vines under control and encourage flowering. Make sure to research the specific needs of each vine species before planting.
Designing Your Pollinator Paradise
Creating a successful pollinator garden involves more than just planting a few pollinator-friendly plants. Here are some design considerations:
- Plant in Groups: Plant multiple individuals of the same species together to create a more visually appealing display and provide a larger foraging area for pollinators.
- Succession Planting: Choose plants with different bloom times to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.
- Provide Water: Offer a shallow dish of water with pebbles or stones for pollinators to land on and drink from.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm or kill pollinators, so avoid using them in your garden. If you must use pesticides, choose selective products and apply them carefully, avoiding spraying flowers during peak bloom times.
- Leave Some Bare Ground: Some pollinators, like ground-nesting bees, need access to bare soil to build their nests.
- Provide Shelter: Leave some leaf litter and dead stems in the fall to provide overwintering habitat for pollinators.
Maintaining Your Pollinator Garden
Once your pollinator garden is established, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure its long-term success.
- Water Regularly: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune: Prune trees, shrubs, and vines as needed to maintain their shape and health, and to encourage flowering.
- Deadhead: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action as needed, using organic or natural methods whenever possible.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Steps
Creating a pollinator paradise with trees, shrubs, and vines is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the environment. By incorporating these woody plants into your garden, you can provide a valuable food source and habitat for pollinators, helping to support their populations and ensure the health of our ecosystems. Start by assessing your space and selecting the right plants for your region and growing conditions. Then, follow the design and maintenance tips outlined in this guide to create a thriving pollinator garden that you can enjoy for years to come.
Next Steps:
- Identify native trees, shrubs, and vines that thrive in your area.
- Create a garden plan that includes a variety of pollinator-friendly plants with different bloom times.
- Prepare your soil and plant your new trees, shrubs, and vines.
- Provide water, shelter, and nesting sites for pollinators.
- Monitor your garden for pests and diseases, and take action as needed.
- Share your success with others and encourage them to create their own pollinator gardens.
References:
- U.S. Forest Service. "Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden." (Note: Replace with a real link)
- The Xerces Society. "Butterfly Gardening: Selecting Plants for Adult Butterflies." (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Native Plant Finder. National Wildlife Federation. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- USDA Plants Database. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Pollinator Partnership. "Ecoregional Planting Guides." (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Audubon Society. "Native Plants Database." (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Viburnum. AmericanHort. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Hydrangeas for Pollinators. Proven Winners. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Spicebush Swallowtail. Butterfly Fun Facts. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Trumpet Honeysuckle. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Virginia Creeper. Missouri Botanical Garden. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Clematis for Pollinators. International Clematis Society. (Note: Replace with a real link)
- Passionflower. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (Note: Replace with a real link)