Five Native Plants Pollinators Are Buzzzing About

Spring is approaching, and it’s all the emerging pollinators can talk about! They can’t get early blooming native plants out of their minds and are ready to feast. Spring is an important time of year for our native butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, and many other bird species. Let’s talk about which native plants are in right now!

But first, why are spring blooming plants so important for our native pollinators?

Early season flowers provide some of the first food resources available after winter. Wouldn’t you be hungry? Many insects, birds, and pollinators emerge early in the season when very few plants are flowering. Without early blooms, these species can struggle to survive or reproduce. Now let’s look at some early blooming native plants that pollinators are buzzing about!

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Also known as Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes, blooms from April into early summer. Its adorable white to blush-pink flower clusters rise above a mat of fuzzy, teal-green foliage. The tiny blooms attract many small pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and flies.

But the most excited visitor is the American Lady butterfly! After their overwintering vacation down south, they make their way north and can’t stop talking about those fuzzy leaves! In spring, American Lady butterflies lay their eggs on the plant, and their caterpillars feed on the foliage. This makes Antennaria plantaginifolia a wonderful early-season addition to the garden that supports both pollinators and butterflies!

Aquilegia canadensis

Commonly known as Wild Columbine, blooms from March through May. Its graceful, nodding red flowers with bright yellow centers dangle above delicate, airy foliage like tiny charms on a necklace. Long-tongued pollinators, such as the hummingbird moth, are able to reach the sweet nectar hidden within the blooms and eagerly return for more. But the real chatter comes from hummingbirds, who simply can’t stop talking about one of their favorite native plants!

Geranium maculatum

Better known as Wild Geranium, blooms from April into early summer. Its soft lavender flowers float above its playful palmate foliage, ready to welcome hungry pollinators! While many insects stop by for a quick nectar snack, the specialist Cranesbill Miner Bee relies heavily on this native plant. This small solitary bee gathers pollen from Wild Geranium to feed its young, making the plant especially important for its survival. Just imagine how much the Cranesbill Miner Bee must be hyping up Geranium maculatum to all its friends!

Polemonium reptans

Known to gardeners as Jacob’s Ladder, blooms from April to May. Clusters of soft blue to lavender flowers rise above its distinctive ladder-like foliage, creating a welcoming landing spot for hungry pollinators. Native bees eagerly visit the blooms for both nectar and pollen, while butterflies stop by for a quick sip of sweetness. Among the most excited visitors is the specialist Jacob’s Ladder Miner Bee, which relies heavily on this plant for pollen for food. You could say this little bee is climbing the ladder first to make sure it gets the best seat at the spring buffet!

Tiarella cordifolia

Tiarella cordifolia, also known as Foamflower, blooms from March to May. Acting as the cutest woodland plant, it sends up delicate spikes of white to soft pink, foam-like flowers that rise above its heart-shaped leaves. In early spring, these airy blooms eagerly welcome visiting bees and butterflies, bringing a lively buzz to the woodland garden!

As you can see, the early spring pollinators have a lot to talk about! From fuzzy pussytoes to ladders and cheerful wild geranium, these native plants are the hottest topic in the garden this time of year. While we’re just enjoying the first signs of spring, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are getting ready to buzz around, sharing the news about where to find the best nectar, pollen, and cozy snacks. By planting early blooming native plants, you’re making sure your garden is part of the conversation. And trust us… when the pollinators start talking, you’ll want your Good Garden to be the place everyone is buzzing about!