Pollinator Garden Plants: Native Flowers for Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Why Native Plants?

Co-evolved with local pollinators. Non-natives often lack adequate nectar. Consult local Extension, Pollinator Partnership, Xerces Society, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Native Pollinator Plants (Widespread in US)

• Bee balm, columbine, goldenrod, penstemon, sunflower, blanket flower, yarrow, chokecherry, black-eyed Susans, clover, coneflower, aster, ironweed, hyssop, prairie willow, lupine, buckthorn, Joe Pye weed, passion flower, liatris, borage, thistle.

Pollinator Preferences

• Bees: UV vision → yellow, purple, blue. Sweet scent. Dry, sunny, bare, well-drained spots (south slopes).
• Butterflies: Sunny, open, water, wind shelter. Purple, white, pink, yellow, orange, red.
• Hummingbirds: Open flight paths, perches, shade. Tube-shaped, nectar-rich, unscented. Pink, orange, bright red.

Design Tips

• Continuous bloom all season.
• Large patches for easy foraging.
• Milkweed for monarchs if native.
• Avoid all insecticides (even organic).
• Be patient—pollinators need time to find you.