Planting for
the Planet
Native Plants and Bees
Despite usually having a bad reputation, bees are actually the unsung heros of the ecosystem. Providing critical pollination services, it is estimated one third of food production is reliant on bees, with many of the species being specialists. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure the availability of native species necessary for our native bee pollinators to maintain all populations.
(UNEP, 2019)
Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Due to the flat structure of the flowers, this native species is especially important for pollinators without long mouthparts such as bees. Additionally, this plant is relatively deer resistant, and free from pests.
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Mature size: 1-2ft height and spread
Sun exposure: partial to full sun
Soil type: loamy/clay, neutral-acidic
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(Aloi, 2023)
Buy Here: https://www.originnativeplants.com/product-page/zizia-aurea
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Photo Retrieved From: The Spruce
Scarlet Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
As in the name, Bee Balm attracts a variety of bee species for pollination. The leaves of this plant have a sweet aroma, and is a great choice for stabilizing soil due to the nature of growth.
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Mature Size: 4ft height, 3ft spread
Sun exposure: partial to full sun
Soil type: loamy/clay, organic
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(Scarlet Beebalm - Shop - Ontario Native Plants, n.d.)
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Buy Here:
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Photo Retrieved From: Rad Studio + Eco Store
Wild Bermgamot
Monarda fistulosa
Not only will this native species attract a variety of bees and butterflies, it also offers fragrant and edible flowers to enjoy. An additional perk this plant offers is the ease of growing!
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Mature size: 4ft height 3ft spread
Sun exposure: partial to full sun
Soil type: sand, loam, clay
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(Ontario Native Plants, n.d.-d)
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Buy Here:
https://onplants.ca/shop/monarda-fistulosa/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
Pale Leaved Sunflower
Helianthus strumosus
The woodland sunflower attracts a variety of native pollinators, including a variety of specialist bee species. Importantly, native bees use the hollow stems as nesting cavities to lay eggs and raise young.
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Mature size: 1.2ft height
Sun exposure: partial to full sun
Soil Type: sand, loam
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(Booth , 2020)
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Buy Here:
https://www.originnativeplants.com/product-page/pale-leaved-sunflower
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Photo Retrieved From: In Our Nature
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Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
The blue lobelia is unique in that the structure of the flower creates a selective nature as to what can gain entry. In this case, it's the bumble bee! Planting this flower is a great way to help ensure nectar and pollen is present for bees.
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(Stine, 2013)
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Mature size: 43ft height, 1ft spread
Sun exposure: part shade - full sun
Soil type: loam, organic
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(Ontario Native Plants, n.d.-a)
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Buy Here:
https://onplants.ca/shop/lobelia-siphilitica/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
Heart Leaved Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium
This native species is tolerant to a range of soil conditions, and provides a late nectar source to native bees and butterflies as it blooms in late fall. Benefits for you, the home owner, is the ability to grow a flowering plant in the shade!
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Mature size: 3ft height, 2ft spread
Sun exposure: shade to full sun, but partial is best
Soil Type: loam, clay, sand
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(Ontario Native Plants, n.d.-b)
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Buy Here: https://onplants.ca/shop/symphyotrichum-cordifolium/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
References
Aloi, P. (2023, January 31). How to Grow and Care for Golden Alexander. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-golden-alexander-5111951
Booth , S. (2020, November 26). Native Sunflowers of Ontario | In Our Nature. In Our Nature. https://www.inournature.ca/sunflowers-of-ontario
D, R. (n.d.). Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm). RAD Studio + Eco Store. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://radstudioandecostore.com/products/monarda-didyma-scarlet-bee-balm
Stine, A. (2013, September 24). Lobelias and Pollinators. The Prairie Ecologist. https://prairieecologist.com/tag/lobelia/#:~:text=First%2C%20let
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-a). Blue Lobelia - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/lobelia-siphilitica/
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-b). Heart Leaved Aster - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/symphyotrichum-cordifolium/
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-c). Scarlet Beebalm - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/monarda-didyma/#:~:text=Monarda%20didyma&text=This%20is%20a%20low%20maintenance
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-d). Wild Bergamot - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/monarda-fistulosa/
UNEP. (2019, May 20). Why bees are essential to people and planet. UN Environment Programme; The United Nations Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/why-bees-are-essential-people-and-planet#:~:text=According%20to%20bee%20experts%20at
West Coast Seeds. (n.d.). Rocky Mountain Bee Plant. West Coast Seeds. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.westcoastseeds.com/products/rocky-mountain-bee-plant?variant=8709333483580