Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - April 15, 2015
From: Harrisonburg, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Lists, Pollinators, Herbs/Forbs, Trees
Title: Native Perennials for Bees and Butterflies in VA
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
What native perennial plants and trees can we plant to help honey bees and butterfly larvae in Harrisonburg, VA?ANSWER:
To develop a list of native perennial plants that are beneficial to butterflies and moths and that grow in Virginia, start with our special collections list of Plants for Butterflies and Moths of North America. Next, narrow your search to only Virginia native plants by selecting your state. Then select "herb" general appearance and "perennial" lifespan. This will give you a list of 48 plants for your region. After this change your search criteria to Trees for another list of Butterfly beneficial plants for your area. When you look over these plants, check out the "Use Wildlife" under the Benefits section and you will see if the plant is also attracts bees (many do). Another way to search for plants of value to native, bumble or honey bees is to go to the Special Collections list and look in the "Value to Beneficial Insects" section and do the same searches as decribed above. You will find that there are 24 trees that are special value to honey bees and that grow in Virginia. Several are included in the image section below.
From the Image Gallery
More Pollinators Questions
What is blooming in NJ in Late November?
November 27, 2015 - I am a beekeeper in Edison, NJ. My bees are still bringing pollen even this late in the season (Thanksgiving). What plants or trees are still blooming? The color of the pollen is a pale yellow.
view the full question and answer
Making a pollinator garden
August 11, 2014 - Hello, I have a ditch right by my house and I want to turn it into a pollinator garden using native plants. My problem is, right now it's so full of weeds that we have to mow those down so soon. For ...
view the full question and answer
Hummingbird Bushes for Broken Arrow OK
August 27, 2014 - I am looking for bushes that attract hummingbirds. I live in Broken Arrow, OK. Can you recommend some?
view the full question and answer
Butterflies attracted by Pink Evening Primrose from Burnet TX
July 30, 2012 - I see information on Pink Evening Primrose that says it attracts 'many butterflies'
Please tell me which butterflies and name them? I've looked everywhere and am just exhausted and frustrated with...
view the full question and answer
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012 - What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |