I don’t know about others, but I personally get very excited seeing bees and butterflies in my garden. It revives a child-like energy inside me that nothing else really can.
If you’re looking to grow native plants that attract pollinators to your Midwest garden, you’re in the right place!
In today’s article, we’re going to discuss a long list of native plants that are perfect for drawing in pollinators right when you need them. Without wasting any more time, let’s just jump straight into it!
Why Native Plants Matter For Midwest Pollinators
One reason local plants are ideal for Midwest pollinators is that bees and butterflies evolved alongside these plants, seeking necessities like nectar, pollen, and host support (for caterpillars).
Local plants can thrive in poor growing conditions with less water, fewer pesticides, and minimal fertilization. You can say that they aren’t as needy or delicate as others.
Using native plants supports food chains, reduces invasive pressure, and promotes biodiversity in the region.
Also, before planting, double-check that you’re not accidentally including these common flowers that can quickly become invasive.
Must-Grow Native Plants For Pollinator Power
1: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
The purple coneflower is an iconic prairie native with daisy-like blooms. It’s loved by bees and butterflies and thrives with full sun exposure.
Regular deadheading helps extend bloom time and keeps your plants looking tidy, here’s how to do deadhead coneflowers properly.
2: Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa)
Butterfly milkweeds offer bright orange flower clusters and serve as a host plant for monarch butterflies. They’re drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
It can be mildly toxic if eaten, so if you have pets or little ones around, just keep that in mind!
3: Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistulosa)
Wild bergamot is essentially like a native bee balm with lavender flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and native bees in large numbers.
If you’re just getting started, this guide to native pollinator flowers can help you build a balanced and beautiful garden.
4: Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris Pycnostachya)
Prairie blazing star offers vertical, purple flower spikes and blooms in late summer. It’s excellent for monarchs and bumblebees.
5: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)
Black-eyed Susans bloom bright yellow flowers from mid-summer to fall. They can tolerate pretty harsh conditions and are super dependable.
While not highly toxic, it might cause a bit of stomach upset if your dog or cat decides to chew on the leaves! So, also keep that in mind if you have pets in the garden.
6: New England Aster (Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae)
New England asters are a vital late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies. They’re extremely vibrant, producing purple blooms that stand out in the garden in fall.
Looking to get color and pollinator activity started early? Try these native spring bloomers.
7: Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia Ohiensis)
Ohio spiderworts offer unusual blue-purple flowers that bloom in early summer and prefer full sun to part shade for optimal growth.
Sap can be a bit irritating to the skin, so if you’re handling or trimming it, gloves might be a good idea!
8: Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum Virginicum)
This native plant blooms elegant spikes of white flowers and can draw a wide range of native bees to the garden.
9: Wild Senna (Senna Hebecarpa)
Wild sennas are tall, dramatic plants with yellow blooms. Many gardeners plant them to support pollinators and native moth varieties.
This one’s great for pollinators, but not so much for pets or livestock, it can have a laxative effect if they nibble on it. So, best to plant it where animals won’t reach or don’t plant it at all (if you have pets).
10: Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum Virginianum)
Mountain mint is an incredible pollinator magnet. It offers silvery foliage and small white blooms around late summer.
11: Prairie Smoke (Geum Triflorum)
The prairie smoke is a unique early-blooming native with wispy seed heads. It’s strikingly vibrant and attracts native bees.
12: Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium Purpureum)
This tall, showy native plant offers pink-purple blooms that are loved by all pollinators, especially butterflies.
No space for a full garden bed? These container-friendly flowers are perfect for attracting butterflies on patios or balconies.
13: Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
Like the name suggests, wild blue indigos bloom blue pea-like flowers in spring. They have soil-enriching properties and strongly attract pollinators.
Even though blue false indigo is gorgeous, it’s actually toxic if eaten, so be sure to keep it away from pets and curious kids!
14: Golden Alexanders (Zizia Aurea)
Golden alexanders are typically host plants for black swallowtail caterpillars. They offer yellow umbels in spring and can be fit anywhere in the garden thanks to their versatile nature.
Tips For Planting A Pollinator-Friendly Native Garden!
Want to fill in bare spots without inviting aggressive spreaders? Try these native ground covers that stay in check.
Let’s Conclude
Native plants are excellent for drawing in more pollinators to the garden, especially if you’re strategic and thoughtful with your selection.
This article should only serve as general guidance on the different plant options you have. Now, it’s up to you to experiment with what works best in your garden, according to your pollinator goals and desires. Best of luck!
