Athena Rayne Anderson

This post was originally published on February 14, 2012, on my blog “Pollinators Info” (no longer online).

Use natives

Pollinators get the most benefit from native plants, no matter where you live. There’s a lot of research to back this up; native plants are better for pollinators than non-natives. Here are a few reasons why:

• Native plants are more recognizable to pollinators as food sources.
• Native plants tend to provide more nectar and pollen than ornamental varieties.
• Native plants are part of your local ecosystem, and establishing them can also provide shelter for pollinators.

Native plants are also better for YOU, because they’re easier and less expensive to maintain. They are adapted to your local climate, soil, and light conditions, so don’t need extras like irrigation and fertilizer.

The black-eyed susans shown in the feature image are native to much of the eastern United States. Do you grow natives instead of non-natives? What’s your opinion about replacing non-native plants with native plants in gardens and public places to benefit pollinators and other wildlife? Share your ideas with us below!