Why are native plants essential for pollinators?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Native plants are the fundamental foundation for thriving pollinator populations. Milkweed and goldenrod have coevolved with their local insects for thousands of years. Plants and pollinators have found the healthiest and most abundant nutrition in the exact ratio of nectar. They bloom at times that coincide with the emergence of pollinators. Native Gardens have three times the number of species of non-natives I have seen.
Nutritional Precision
- Nectar composition: Matches specific pollinator dietary needs
- Digestibility: Co-evolved proteins easily processed by native insects
- Toxin balance: Contains protective compounds adapted to local species
Life Cycle Synchronization
- Bloom timing: Flowers open when pollinators emerge from hibernation
- Host availability: Leaves ready when caterpillars hatch
- Seed production: Aligns with bird migration feeding patterns
Specialized Relationships
- Monarch exclusivity: Milkweed is sole host for monarch caterpillars
- Native bee partnerships: 40% of native bees pollen specialists
- Co-evolved pollination: Flower shapes match specific pollinator anatomy
Foster the specialized relationships that were formed only with native plants. Monarch caterpillars eat only the leaves of milkweed, which have the protective toxins in the leaves of milkweed, making they fatal to predators. Some native bees are specialized to collect pollen only from certain types of goldenrods. The relationships they have developed have evolved over centuries. My native plant section of the garden features some rare specialist bees that can only be found elsewhere.
Native plants need way less care than non-natives. They are in tune with local soil types and rainfall. Goldenrod does just fine without watering during a dry, hot summer. Milkweed does not naturally succumb to regional diseases. I cut my garden watering by 60% using natives. Their deep roots prevent soil erosion very well.
Design and use continuous bloom sequences with native plant communities. Early spring ephemerals, such as Virginia bluebells, support the emergence of bees. Summer milkweed supports monarch caterpillars. Fall goldenrod supports migratory birds. I design native gardens that provide nectar year-round to sustain pollinators through all life stages.
Native plants repel invasive species encroachment. Their thick growth habit will outcompete aggressive non-natives. Goldenrod will form colonies that smother invasive weeds. Milkweed colonies resist invasion from exotic vines. My native areas take negligible weeding compared to standard gardens.
I recommend ethically sourcing plants from local nurseries. Select regionally appropriate genotypes that are adapted to your climate and consult with growers about the original seed collection locations. I prefer plants grown from seed sources that were sourced locally and within 100 miles. The genetic source will be compatible with native pollinators.
Read the full article: 10 Best Flowers for Pollinators
