The Birds, The Bees (and other insects) and Their Pollinators Part I

Part I

Pollinator plants includes trees, vegetables, herbs, and insects working together in nature to ensure the reproduction of many plant species. Pollinators are crucial for biodiversity and food production, and they help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. We also play a part in this process both positively or negatively.  So, by knowing some basic anatomy and why each is an integral part of the whole. 

By definition: “… anything that helps move pollen from the male (stamen) part of the plant to the female (stigma) part of the plant on the same plant or another plant…” 

The Pollinator Plants:

These are plants collectively that attract pollinators through their flowers, providing nectar and pollen as food sources. They usually have bright colors, sweet scents, and specific features designed to attract different types of pollinators.  We can also enjoy their beauty. And as food, ever wonder how oranges, apples are made?  The almond, pecan comes from.  Thanks to flowers and pollinators we can enjoy their work.  Some plants are self-pollinating (peanuts) but they will not turn away some help.

Some examples of pollinator Plants include:  

1. Bee Balm (Monarda) – Attracts bees and hummingbirds with its brightly colored flowers.
2. Lavender – A fragrant herb that draws honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies.  Needed in mid-summer as some plants are not blooming. 
3. Sunflowers (Helianthus) – Known for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds with their large, pollen-rich blooms.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea) – A favorite of bees and butterflies, providing abundant nectar.
5. Milkweed (Asclepias) – Essential for monarch butterflies, providing nectar for many insects.
6. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia) – Its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds.

Other Favorites

• Anise (Hyssop spp.)
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)
• Blazing Star (Liatris)
• New England Aster (Aster)
• Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) In the Aster family.
• And Many More…

Some examples of pollinator Herbs include:

1. Thyme (Thymus spp.) – Small flower packed with nectar.
2. Borage (Borago officinalis) – Attracts bees, repels tomato hornworm.
3. Dill (Anethum graveolens) – Attracts Swallowtail butterfly.
4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – Relies on cross pollination for fertilization from insects.
5. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia) – Its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds.
6. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Bell shaped flower attracts Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. 

Example of how beneficial even PARSLEY can be.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) plants are a host plant for swallowtail butterflies, and the flowers attract beneficial insects. 

How parsley helps butterflies

• Host plant: Parsley supports the entire life cycle of swallowtail butterflies, from egg to adult. 
• Food source: The caterpillars eat the leaves of the parsley plant. 
• Nectar source: The flowers provide nectar for butterflies. 
• Companion plant: The strong scent of the flowers attracts beneficial insects like wasps and predatory flies. 

Growing parsley for butterflies 

• Allow parsley plants to reseed so there’s enough foliage for hungry larvae.
• Plant parsley in a butterfly habitat.
• Plant parsley in average to moist, well-drained soil.
• Amend the soil with organic compost.
• Plant parsley in partial shade in the summer and in sun in the winter.

Germinating parsley seeds 

• Soak the seeds in hot water overnight to speed up germination.
• Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep.
• Start parsley seeds several weeks before the last frost.