Native Plants for a Pollinator Garden Guide

Why Native Plants Matter for Pollinators

Native plants and local pollinators have evolved together over thousands of years. A single native oak tree supports over 500 species of caterpillars, while non-native trees may support fewer than five. Planting native species gives bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds the food they need to survive.

Top Native Plants for Pollinators

Coneflower (Echinacea)

A drought-tolerant perennial with large daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Blooms from midsummer through fall. Grows 2-4 feet tall in full sun.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Hummingbirds love this aromatic perennial with tubular red, pink, or purple flowers. Blooms mid to late summer. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Cheerful golden-yellow flowers that bloom from summer to frost. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, and a magnet for butterflies.

Designing Your Pollinator Garden

Group plants in clusters of at least three to create visible targets for pollinators. Include plants that bloom at different times to provide food throughout the growing season. Leave some bare ground for ground-nesting bees.

Avoid Pesticides

Even organic pesticides can harm beneficial insects. Use companion planting, hand-picking, and natural predators to manage garden pests instead.

Maintenance Tips

Leave seed heads standing through winter — birds eat them and they provide insulation for overwintering insects. Cut back perennials in early spring, not fall. Many native plants are low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal watering or fertilizing.