In recent years, there's been a growing awareness of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems and food production. From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, these creatures facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have threatened pollinator populations in Mount Washington Valley and worldwide. One way to support these essential creatures is by planting native species in our landscapes. If you're a New Hampshire resident looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden, here are some of the best native plants to consider:

Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis):

• With its distinctive red and yellow flowers, Eastern Columbine is a favorite among hummingbirds and long-tongued bees.
• This perennial wildflower thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shady borders.

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis):

• Wild Lupine is a stunning native perennial that attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
• Its spiky clusters of blue, purple, or pink flowers provide a valuable food source for the endangered Karner blue butterfly larvae.

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca):

• Common Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies, providing food for both adult butterflies and their caterpillars.
• This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for meadows, prairies, and roadside plantings.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):

• Purple Coneflower is a popular perennial known for its striking pink-purple flowers and medicinal properties.
• Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, which can last from early summer to fall.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):

• Bee Balm, also known as Oswego tea, is a native perennial prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers.
• Its tubular blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a must-have for pollinator gardens.

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae):

• New England Aster is a late-season bloomer that adds a splash of color to fall landscapes with its purple, pink, or white flowers.
• Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, flock to its nectar-rich blooms before winter sets in.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin):

• Spicebush is a native shrub prized for its fragrant foliage, red berries, and yellow flowers.
• Butterflies, including the spicebush swallowtail, rely on this plant as a host for their larvae, making it an essential addition to pollinator habitats.

Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica):

• Virginia Bluebell is a charming woodland perennial with clusters of nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or blue.
• Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to its early spring blooms, making it a valuable food source for pollinators emerging from hibernation.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):

• Cardinal Flower is a striking native perennial with tall spikes of brilliant red flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
• Hummingbirds are especially fond of its nectar-rich blooms, while bees and butterflies also visit in search of food.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta):

• Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and a dark center.
• Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to its nectar-rich blooms, which appear from mid-summer to fall.

By incorporating these native New Hampshire plants into your home’s landscape, you can create a vibrant and diverse habitat that supports a wide range of pollinators. Not only will you be helping to conserve these essential creatures, but you'll also enjoy the beauty and biodiversity that native plants bring to your garden.

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