Author: Kevin Jinn, 2018
Native Pollinators
Pollinators are the organisms that aid flowers in sexual propagation. They include insects, moths, and even bats in some places. Many of our crops such as blueberries rely on honeybees for an ample crop, and new programs using native pollinators such as mason bees are also in production. This pollination service is undertaken by these willing creatures in exchange for the high caloric nectar or pollen produced by the flowers.
Plantings that provide food or shelter for pollinators will bring them to your home. Always try to use native species as much as possible - they provide the most value and are much more likely to be used by our native pollinators.
Nectar Sources - Flowers
Pearly Everlasting - Anaphalis margaritacea Aster species - Aster chilensis, A. subspicatum Red Columbine - Aquilegia formosa Camas spp.- Camassia quamash, C. leitchtlinii Paintbrush - Catillejia hispidula, C. miniata Fireweed - Epilobium angustifolium Strawberry spp. - Fragaria chiloensis, F. vesca Coral bells - Heuchera micrantha Farewell-to-spring - Clarkia amoena Blanketflower - Gaillardia aristata Menzie's Delphinium - Delphinium menziesii Nodding Onion - Allium cerrnuum Lupin - Lupinus polyphyllus Paintbrush - Catillejia hispidula, C. miniata. Penstemon - Penstemon spp. Spreading phlox - Phlox diffusa. Goatsbeard - Aruncus diocusa Goldenrod - Solidago lepida Henderson's checkermallow - Sidelcea hendersonii Monkeyflower - Mimulus guttatus, M. lewisii Sedum spp. - Sedum spathulifolium, S. oreganum, S. lanceolatum Violet spp. - Viola adunca, V. glabella, V. praemorsa Western Yarrow - Achillea millifolium Wooly Sunflower. - Eriophyllum lanatum
Remember to choose flowers with many flower heads and numerous small florets, such as Yarrow and Wooly Sunflower. Many pollinators, including butterflies, can perch on these flowers and drink the sweet nectar. Also include late season bloomers such as Aster and Goldenrod, to ensure something is in bloom in every season.
Nectar Sources - Trees and Shrubs
Although they can be overlooked because they are largely used as frames for the garden design, trees and shrubs can bring in native pollinators quickly. Because of their larger size, many creatures can use them for habitat. Also, they can often produce much more nectar for pollinators than say, a lone flower could on a garden plant. It is not common to think that there are no pollinators around, when all you have is to look up and find your flowering tree abuuz with bees and other good pollinators above.
Vine Mape - Acer circinatum Bittercherry - Prunus emarginata Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana Black Hawthorne - Crataegus douglasii Pacific crabapple- Malus fusca Arctostaphylos - (Manzanita, Kinnikinnik) Oregon Grape - Mahonia aquilifolium, M. nervosa Mock Orange - Philadelphus lewisii Currants - Ribes sanguineum Rhododendrons - Rhododendron macrophyllum, R. occidentale Rubus spp. (Salmonberry, Thimbleberry) - Rubus spectabilis, R. parviflorus Elderberry - Sambucus cerulea, S. racemosa Spirea - Spirea douglasii Vaccinium species (huckleberry) - Vaccinium ovatum, V. ovalifolium, V. alaskense Willows - Salix spp.
Butterflies and their Larval Food Plants
In order to really help butterfly populations in B.C., we need to provide plants that provide food for the larval stages. Many species will only accept one or a few species of plants at this stage. If a butterfly is found near your area, you can probably increase its population by planting the correct foodplants for the caterpillars. And of course, stay away from pesticides and insecticide!
Species | Native Food Plant the Caterpillar Needs |
Monarch | Milkweed (A. speciosa in our region) |
Propertius Duskywing | Garry Oak |
Two-banded Checkered Skipper | Strawberry spp., Silverweed |
Woodland Skipper | Native Grasses |
Clodius Apollo (*possibly no longer present) | Western Bleeding Heart |
Anise Swallowtail | Carrot Family |
Western Tiger Swallowtail | Alders, Willows, Poplars, Maples (Vine, Big Leaf Maple) |
Pine White | Douglas Fir |
Sara Orangetip | Mustard spp. |
Cedar Hairstreak | Western Red Cedar |
Brown Elfin | Arctostaphylos, Arbutus, Salal, Oregon Grape, Huckleberry |
Moss' Elfin | Sedum |
Western Spring Azure | Oceanspray, Dogwood, Hardhack |
Satyr Anglewing | Stinging Nettle |
Mourning Cloak | Willows, Poplars, Spirea |
Milbert's Tortoiseshell | Stinging Nettle |
Painted Lady | Thistles |
Westcoast Lady | Stinging Nettle |
Red Admiral | Stinging Nettle |
Myiltta Crescent | Thistles |
Lorquin's Admiral | Oceanspray, Serviceberry |
Common Ringlet | Native Grasses |
Common Woodnymph | Native Grasses |
Reference
The City of Saanich. Retrieved from https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/
Documents/Environment/naturescape/Butterfly_food_plants_
hummingbird-bird_plants.pdf