Celebrate International Pollinator Week

When we think of pollinators, bees often come to mind. However, pollinators include a diverse range of beneficial creatures, such as butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, ants, birds, bats, and even small mammals. Unfortunately, many of these essential pollinators are facing population declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

International Pollinator Week (June 20-26) is the perfect time to take action and create a pollinator-friendly environment in your own backyard! Keep reading to discover how native plants and trees can support local pollinators year-round.

Why Choose Native Plants for Pollinators?

Native plants are naturally adapted to your region’s climate and soil, making them an excellent choice for both gardeners and pollinators. Here’s why incorporating native plants into your landscape is essential:

• Provides Year-Round Blooms – Different native flowers bloom at different times, ensuring a continuous food source for pollinators throughout the seasons.
• Supports Local Bee Species – There are thousands of bee varieties, and a diverse selection of native plants helps sustain multiple species.
• Improves Soil & Ecosystem Health – Native plants enhance soil drainage, reduce erosion, and require less maintenance than non-native species.
• Attracts Butterflies & Birds – Pollinators like monarch butterflies and hummingbirds thrive in gardens rich in native blooms.

Pro Tip:

To maximize your garden’s impact, plant large groupings of native pollinator plants instead of single specimens. Pollinators are more likely to visit areas with clusters of flowers, as they provide a more accessible food source.

Best Native Trees for Pollinators

Trees provide more than just shade—they serve as critical food and habitat sources for pollinators! Here are some of the best native trees for attracting and supporting pollinators in the U.S.:

🌳 Oak Trees (Quercus spp.)

• Loved by bees for their spring catkins and shelter-providing bark.
• Supports 500+ species of butterfly and moth caterpillars.
• Top choices: White Oak (Quercus alba), Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).

🍒 Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

• Unlike most trees, Black Cherry relies on pollinators for fruit production.
• Its delicate white flowers attract bees in late spring, and its berries support many bird species.

🌸 Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

• Blooms in April, attracting mining bees with its large, showy flowers.
• A beautiful ornamental tree that thrives in full sun.

🍁 Maple Trees (Acer spp.)

• Bees love maples for their nectar-rich flowers and sap.
• Top choices: Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), and Box-elder (Acer negundo).

💗 Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Early spring bloomer with small pink flowers that attract honey bees and carpenter bees.
• Thrives in sun or shade, but more sunlight means more flowers for pollinators.

🍂 Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

• Produces nectar-rich white flowers in early spring, loved by honey bees and mining bees.
• Grows as a small tree or shrub, reaching up to 20 feet tall.
• Bonus: Summer berries are a favorite food source for birds.

How to Help Monarch Butterflies 🦋

Did you know? A monarch butterfly weighs less than a paperclip but can migrate up to 3,000 miles every fall! You can help these incredible pollinators by creating a monarch-friendly habitat in your garden.

☀️ Plant in Sunny Areas

Monarchs cannot fly when temperatures drop below 50°F, so they rely on sunlight for warmth. Plant flowers in full-sun locations to provide them with the energy they need.

🌿 Grow Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars! Without it, monarchs cannot complete their life cycle. Popular native milkweed species include:

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

🌸 Add a Variety of Native Flowers

Monarchs prefer flat, open flowers that provide ample landing space. Choose nectar-rich native plants like:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

🌺 Plant in Large Clusters

Monarchs are more likely to visit groups of flowers rather than isolated plants. Mass plantings create a welcoming environment and increase the likelihood of monarch visits.

Join the Pollinator Conservation Movement!

Want to take your efforts a step further? Participate in Pollinator Week (June 20-26) by:

• Planting pollinator-friendly gardens in your community.
• Registering your event or garden with Pollinator Partnership to be featured on their national map.
• Spreading awareness by sharing photos and using hashtags like #PollinatorWeek and #SaveTheBees.

Together, we can create a thriving environment for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!

Want more tips? Explore our guide on pollinator-friendly plants to attract more pollinators to your backyard.