Unconventional Native Plants for Pollinators

Joe Malmisur, Interpretive Naturalist

Fortunately, more people are learning about the importance of native plants and their impact on our ecosystem. By choosing these plants, you will have color, nectar, pollen and host plants that will attract butterflies, bees, birds and insects throughout the year. Here are five uncommon native plants to consider planting as an alternative to common varieties like milkweed, beebalm, echinacea, asters and goldenrods.

FULL SUN:

Culver’s root blooms in summer and prefers average to wet soil.
New York ironweed blooms from summer to fall and prefers average to wet soil.
Mountain mint blooms in summer and prefers average to dry soil.

SUN TO PART SHADE:

Joe-Pye weed blooms in summer and prefers average to wet soil.
Lupine blooms from spring to summer and prefers average to dry soil.

For more information, consider attending SMP’s Native Plant series in the coming months. Check www.summitmetroparks.org for details.


For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks.