Pollinators—like bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and more—help plants reproduce by moving pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar. They’re a critical part of our shared ecosystem. Planting native plants is one of the best ways to support these hardworking neighbors.
Most plants have a bloom season that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months during a specific time of the year. Include a mix of species that bloom at different times to ensure there’s food for pollinators no matter the season.
Different pollinators are attracted to different flower characteristics. Hummingbirds tend to go for tube-shaped red or orange flowers, while bees prefer cool-toned blooms with a cup-like shape for perching. Including a few of each kind means that every visitor will find something to satisfy their appetite.
A “host plant” is one that a specific insect relies on for food or laying eggs lay their eggs. For example, native milkweed is a host plant for monarchs, and sticky monkeyflower is a host plant for Edith’s checkerspot butterflies. CalScape can help you find more options—simply check “Butterfly Host Plants” under the advanced search option.
