Ellen Jacquart, The Nature Conservancy of Indiana; Robert P. Jean, Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc.; Melinda M. Appold, Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; David Gorden, Mark M. Holeman, Inc.; Heather Reynolds, Indiana University Department of Biology and Stranger's Hill Organics

If you want to view as pdf, click here

Pollinators provide pollination services for wild plants and many of our crop species, too – one in three bites of food is due to cross-pollination by pollinators. Pollination is important for maintaining genetic diversity in plants and ensuring adequate fruit and seed production for crops, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Our forests, prairies, meadows, and gardens would look much different without the help of our pollinators.

The table provides information about many Indiana-native plant species. Native plants are preferable because of their close partnerships with native pollinators. The Plant Information columns provide Sun and Soil Moisture requirements, plant Height, plant Flower Color, and plant Bloom Time.

If checked, the Hard to Find column designates a species that may be difficult to find for sale, but is both very important to pollinators and very common in remnant forests. These hard-to-find species may already be on your land, so watch for them and conserve them if possible.

If checked, the Ephemeral column refers to species that come up each year in the spring, produce flowers and fruits, and then die-back by late May. While they are only aboveground for a few months each year, these ephemerals are particularly important to pollinators, because so few species are in bloom in early spring.

The Pollinator Connection columns indicate which pollinator groups (Bee, Beetle, Butterfly/Moth, Fly, Hummingbird, and Wasp) use each plant species.

The Special Notes column notes whether a plant is a host for larval butterflies or moths or if it attracts specialist bees (those bees which only pollinate a few plant species).

The Pollinator Magnets column, if checked, indicates a plant species that attracts an abundance of pollinators, or a very high diversity of pollinators, based on literature and field experience.

Many of these plant species may be available from any plant retailer. Others will require you to find a business that specializes in native plants.

The Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society (INPAWS) certifies Grow Native businesses with a wide selection of Indiana native plants at grownative indiana.org/buy-native. Be careful you purchase plants that have not been treated with neonicotinoid insecticides (commonly used on ornamental plants). Avoid applying insecticides in your planting, because they may kill or injure pollinators.

Plant Information =   Pollinator Connection =

Trees and shrubs are a very important part of any pollinator planting, providig great amounts of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Plant Information =   Pollinator Connection =

Grasses nad sedges are wind pollinated and so aren't typically a food resource for adult pollinators; however, they can be important larval food hosts and provide important structure in grassland plantings. Here are just a few of the common native grasses and sedges you might choose from.

Plant Information =   Pollinator Connection =

Cover photoby Derek Luchik.

Reference in this publication to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or certification of any kind of Purdue Extension. Individuals using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

This publication is supported by the Office of Indiana State Chemist Pollinator Protection Plan. More information about the plan is available on the State Chemists' website: www.oisc.purdue.edu/pesticide/p3_activities.html.

This publication was partially funded by a Purdue Extension Issue-Based Action Team (IBAT) award.

April 2017

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

This work is supported in part by Extension Implementation Grant 2021-70006-35390 / IND90001518G-1027053 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

765-494-8491
www.extension.purdue.edu

Order or download materials from edustore.purdue.edu