Pollinator plants
Pollinator plants are an essential to any gardens survival, so I have made a small list of pollinators that grow within the Eastern US region. Pollinator plants attract insects and birds that help spread pollen between plants, allowing them to reproduce. Most plants would greatly suffer from low population if these pollinators didn’t help move their genetic material. The pollinators are attracted by the flowers protein rich nectar that is hidden within the bell. The pollen from the flower gets stuck to the pollinator where it is brought to the next flower the pollinator goes to.
Name: Common Milkweed
Description: The Common Milkweed is a hardy, tall growing perennial with lavender/pink flowers and deep green leaves. This flower blooms between the months of June and August. This flower specializes in attract Monarch butterflies because it is necessary for their survival.
Growing Conditions: Good drainage, wet soil, moderate sunlight
Name: Common Sunflower
Description: The Common Sunflower is one of the most iconic flowers in North America. The Common Sunflower blooms from July to October and attracts the silvery checkerspot.This perennial is a very unique flower because it can grow up to six feet tall and at a young age the flower will follow the sun throughout the day.
Growing Conditions: Lots of sunlight, plenty of vertical room, moderate watering
Name: Red Bud
Description: The Eastern Red Bud is a medium sized tree with a dark bark that grows rich violet and pink colored flowers. This tree blooms from March to May and attracts the Henry’s elfin butterfly with its protein rich early blossoms
Growing Conditions: Lots of sunlight, lots of drainage
Name: Switchgrass
Description: Switchgrass is a perennial grass that’s found all over the the eastern coast. This grass grows in large bunches that can reach up to eight feet tall. It blooms from August to October and it attracts the Pink Streak moth.<
Growing Conditions: Warm climate, plenty of vertical room, lots of sunlight
Name: Redroot
Description: The Redroot is a small shrub that grows unique white balls of flowers during blooming season. This plant blooms from March to April and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Growing Conditions: Moderate climate, moderate sunlight
Name: Black-eyed Susans
Description: The Black-eyed Susan is a perennial flower found in central and eastern states. This flower is in the sunflower family so it shares a couple qualities, most notably is its appearance. The Black-eyed Susan blooms from June to September and attracts the Silvery Checkerspot
Growing Conditions: Lots of sunlight
Name: Purple Coneflower
Description: The Purple Coneflower is a bright purple perennial with a distinct cone shaped center. This flower is known to live in moist prairies and open wooded areas. It blooms from June to September and attracts the Silvery Checkerspot
Growing Conditions: Moderate sunlight
Name: Big Bluestem
Description: Big Bluestem is a perennial grass native to eastern and central America. As the grass grows to a impressive height of 9 feet tall, it develops a blue/purple coloring at the base
Growing Conditions: Moderate sunlight, moderate water
Name: Blue False Indigo
Description: Blue False Indigo is a perennial that is spread around the country from the east to coast to the midwest. It’s light purple flowers and bright green leaves make this an iconic perennial. The plant blooms from May to June and attracts the Hoary Edge moth.
Growing Conditions: Moderate light, good drainage
Name: Canada Goldenrod
Description: The Canada Goldenrod is a tall perennial with striking yellow flowers. The flower is native to North America but has become an invasive species in Europe and Asia. The flower blooms from June to October and attracts the Baltimore Checkerspot.
Growing Conditions: Moderate sunlight, moderate drainage