Spring-blooming native shrubs attract pollinators
Scientists have observed a concerning decline in native pollinator populations due to a variety of factors, including the use of insecticides, habitat loss, changes in land use, extreme weather and the introduction of non-native, often invasive, species.
Many native pollinators are considered “specialists” and can utilize only native species for food. As these plant species disappear, so do the pollinators who rely on them to survive.
Planting more spring-blooming, native shrubs in your landscape attracts and supports a variety of pollinators as they emerge in the spring.
When selecting native shrubs, inventory the existing specimens on your property to help determine which ones to add. Make sure to provide host plants for caterpillars, an essential food source for birds and other wildlife as well as species that provide pollen and nectar.
Assemble shrubs of varying height, structure and bloom times to ensure a lengthy spring season of bloom, continuous food supply, as well as shelter from weather and predators. Always select shrubs according to your landscape requirements, including soil, sun and space. If you are considering such additions to your landscape, think about these beneficial, spring-blooming, native shrubs.
One of the earliest native shrubs to bloom is witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). This multistemmed, open, vase-shaped shrub grows 6 to 10 feet tall to 8 to 15 feet wide and produces crinkled, fragrant, yellow flowers. Tolerant of both damp and heavy clay soil, it grows well in full sun to part shade.
A deer and drought-resistant woodland species, northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is an excellent choice for a woodland garden, tree line or mixed shrub border. Growing 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, in part shade to full sun, northern spicebush blooms in March or early April. Its many small, greenish-yellow flowers are pollinated by early emerging bees and flies. As its name suggests, it is host to the spicebush swallowtail butterfly (Papilio Troilus).
Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), a 6- to 10-foot tall and 3- to 5-foot wide shrub, blooms in early to mid-April with an abundance of white flowers that support numerous bees, including mason, mining and bumble. This shrub hosts up to 29 species of caterpillars. Red chokeberry grows well in full sun to part shade and gives rise to a brilliant autumn display of bright red foliage and berries.
A related species, black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), grows only 1½ to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and sports glossy, green foliage and an abundance of tiny, white flowers in April.
Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is a 6- to 10-foot tall and wide native shrub that blooms in late April or May. Its fragrant, maroon-colored flowers fill the air with their delightful scent. It thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates damp and heavy clay soils. The cultivar “Michael Lindsey” is known for its glossy leaves and is highly recommended.
Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a 2- to 6-foot tall and 6- to 8-foot wide deciduous shrub that produces small, yellow flowers in April and May before its bright green, trifoliate leaves emerge. Its spreading, suckering habit and adaptability to dry and heavy clay soil make it an excellent stabilizer for steep slopes and difficult to grow in areas. This deer and rabbit resistant shrub offers multi-season interest by producing showy red berries in summer and striking red foliage in autumn. The cultivar “Gro Low” is more compact than the straight species growing only 1½ to 2 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide and is more readily available commercially.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra), also called gallberry, is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub in the holly family, growing 5 to 8 feet tall and wide. Its small, greenish-white flowers appear in late spring and are very attractive to bees. It prefers acidic, moist or wet soil, and grows well in both full sun and part shade. Inkberry is dioecious and requires a male plant for fertilization and berry production. The cultivar “Shamrock” is a more compact and rounded form, growing only 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. It is often a more suitable choice for smaller gardens.
By carefully selecting a diverse mix of spring-blooming, native shrubs, you can supply emerging food sources that sustain a larger number and variety of pollinators in your landscape.
If you have questions about spring-blooming, native shrubs, contact the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County’s Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Corbie Eissler is a Penn State Master Gardener.
