Bee City USA-Asheville is excited to share this updated native pollinator-friendly plant list! As the birthplace of the national Bee City USA program in 2012, we are gratified that throughout our community, individuals, organizations, and businesses are doing their part to reverse staggering global pollinator declines. Please check out our Pollinator Habitat Certification and our annual Pollination Celebration! during National Pollinator Week in June.

🌸 Why Landscape with Pollinators in Mind?

Asheville's Bee City USA program encourages everyone to incorporate native plants into their landscapes and avoid insect-killing pesticides as much as possible. Over the millennia, hundreds of thousands of plant and animal pollinator species have perfected their pollination dances. Pollinating animals rely upon the carbohydrate-rich nectar and/or the protein-rich pollen supplied by flowers, and plants rely on pollinators to carry their pollen to other flowers to produce seeds and sustain their species. Nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollinators to help them reproduce! Plants and pollinators are foundational to our planet's rich biodiversity generally. For example, 90% of terrestrial birds rely on moth and butterfly caterpillars as baby food.

📋 About This Native Plant List

An elite task force verified which plants were native to Western North Carolina and agreed this list should focus on plants' value to pollinators as food—including nectar, pollen, and larval host plants for moth and butterfly caterpillars, as well as nesting habitat for bumble and other bees. "Specialized Bee" refers to bee species that gather pollen only from a single plant family, a few related genera, a single genus, or a single species. Pollen specialists represent at least one-quarter of the world's 20,000 species of bees.

These lists are not exhaustive; only native species available for purchase from local suppliers who responded to our survey are listed. Although many are beloved by pollinators, popular non-native plants like annual bedding plants, herbs and fruit trees are not included because they are already commonly used.

📑 Table of Contents

🤝 Acknowledgements

Bee City USA – Asheville thanks the generous, talented members of the task force who created this plant list.

Bethany Dodge Beliveau, Pollination biologist, Grounds Worker, UNCA
Lisa Wagner, Former Education Director, SC Botanical Garden
Gary Kauffman, Botanist, US Forest Service
Ruth Gonzalez, Marketing Director, Reems Creek Nursery
Jay Kranyik, Director, Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Bill Jones, Owner, Carolina Natives Nursery
Bryan Tompkins, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Jean Harrison, Owner, Red Root Native Nursery
Amy Fahmy, Licensed landscape contractor and Landscape Architect, Butterspring Farms, PLLC
Mary Weber, Landscape Architect, Mary Weber Landscape Architecture, PLLC
Peter Menzies, Environmental Educator, Asheville GreenWorks; Co-Chair, Bee City USA-Asheville Leadership Committee
Phyllis Stiles, Founder & Director Emerita, Bee City USA

🌱 Local Pollinator-Friendly Plant Nurseries

We are grateful to have many local nurseries cultivating and selling the plants that were here before colonization. Please never purchase from vendors poaching plants in the wild.

BPNG

Big Pine Native Gardens (Marshall)

Retail by appointment—visit North Asheville tailgate market or follow website instructions. [email protected], 828 649-2259
Native grasses, woodland and sunny pollinator perennials. Pest Management: Organic growing methods; OMRI-listed materials only.

CNN

Carolina Native Nursery (Burnsville)

Retail & wholesale. [email protected], (828) 682-1471
Eastern U.S. native shrubs, perennials, grasses, and ferns. Specialty: native azaleas. Pest Management: IPM-based, beneficial insects, OMRI products. No neonics for over a decade.

FMN

Flower Moon Nursery (Morganton)

Retail by appointment. [email protected], 828-475-2509
WNC native trees, shrubs, and perennials; specialty native azaleas propagated from WNC plants. Pest Management: Holistic approach; NO neo-nicotinoids or broad-spectrum insecticides.

Joe Pye Ecological Consulting & Nursery (Asheville)

Retail 9:00am–5:00pm. [email protected]
All straight natives grown from seed; woody plants, perennial forbs, grasses, and wetland plants. Pest Management: All organic pest management practices.

MMF

Milkweed Meadows Farm (Hendersonville/Fruitland)

Local markets & retail at farm by appointment. [email protected]
Native perennials and vines with special value to pollinators; butterfly eggs/caterpillars provided free to schools. Pest Management: Beneficial insects, non-toxic mineral oil, OMRI-listed iron phosphate.

MRG

M.R. Gardens (Asheville)

Order ahead for pickup or delivery. [email protected], 828-333-4151
Native flowers and complementary plants; on-farm tours and design assistance. Pest Management: No chemical pesticides; fully committed to sustainable practices.

NSN

Natural Selections Nursery (Weaverville)

Retail/wholesale. [email protected], (828) 707-2972
Plants of the Southern Appalachians. Pest Management: No pesticides ever used.

Painters Greenhouse (Old Fort)

Retail March–June (brief fall opening). [email protected], 828-668-7225
90% homegrown including wide variety of native perennials. Pest Management: IPM, beneficial insects, nontoxic oil and soap treatments.

RRNN

Red Root Native Nursery (Barnardsville)

Wholesale & retail by appointment. [email protected], 828-545-0565
Native shrubs and perennials of the southern Appalachian woodlands. Pest Management: Organic production; OMRI-listed materials. No conventional pesticides; no neonics.

RCN

Reems Creek Nursery/Garden Center (Weaverville)

Retail. [email protected], 828-645-3937
Trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, native plants, and more. Pest Management: No neonicotinoids on any propagated plants; IPM practices, beneficial insects.

SMHN

Sandy Mush Herb Nursery (Leicester)

Retail Thu, Fri & Sat on site; mail & phone orders available. (828) 683-2014
Herbs, perennials, trees and shrubs; many WNC-native wildflowers. Pest Management: Occasional insecticidal soap only when necessary. NEVER neonicotinoids.

Saturnia Farm (Weaverville)

Retail by appointment or Open Days only. [email protected], 828-337-1889
Perennials, natives, grasses & sedges; specialty willows; butterfly & moth host plants; trees & shrubs. Pest Management: 100% Pesticide-free on-property growing practices.

Tanager Plants (Mars Hill)

Wholesale & Retail by appointment, Mon–Fri 9:00am–4:30pm. [email protected], (828) 380-2768
Native plants in biodegradable or repurposed containers. Pest Management: Organic approved practices; IPM with cultural emphasis; living growing medium.

Woodswise Botanicals (Mills River)

Wed & Thu by appointment; Fri & Sat 10:00–4:00. [email protected], (828) 337-0947
Native wildflowers, trees, shrubs and grasses grown from seed; medicinal herbs. Pest Management: Diversity is the key—200+ varieties.

WCN

Willow Creek Nursery (Weaverville)

Wholesale Mon–Fri 9:00–4:00; retail by appointment. 828-777-3503
Over 300 varieties of herbaceous perennials including natives, ornamentals, ferns and grasses. Pest Management: No pesticides, except neem oil for aphids.

Wildbud Natives (Marshall)

Wholesale or retail by appointment. 828-206-1853
Native perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs for conservation and ecological applications. Pest Management: Organic growing & IPM; neonicotinoids for hemlocks Nov–Mar only (wooly adelgid).

🎨 Key to Color Codes

Evergreen plant species

Groundcover plant species

Evergreen groundcovers

Special Genus Notes

☀️ Sun-Loving Wildflowers (1st of 3 Wildflower Lists)

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Asclepias Note *ɍ	Asclepias (milkweed) genus hosts monarch and 11 other butterfly/moth species. See notes below about growing milkweeds* and non-native species.
Asclepias syriaca	*Common Milkweed	Jun–Aug	Bees, bumble bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths. See Asclepias Genus Note.	BPNG, FMN, MMF, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WB, WCN, WN
Asclepias tuberosa	*Butterfly Milkweed	Jun–Sep	Bees, bumble bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths. Hosts Grey Hairstreak, Monarch, & Queen butterflies.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Asclepias verticillata	*Whorled Milkweed	May–Sep	Bees, butterflies. See Asclepias Genus Note.	FMN, MMF, PG, SF, WB
Coreopsis tripteris	Tall Tickseed	Jul–Sep	Bees, butterflies	NSN, SMHN
Eryngium yuccifolium	Rattlesnake Master	May–Aug	Bees, small butterflies	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Eupatorium hyssopifolium	Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort	Jun–Oct	Butterflies	NSN, TP
Helenium autumnale	Common Sneezeweed	Jul–Oct	Bees, butterflies	PG, RCN, SF, TP, WCN
Helenium flexuosum	Purplehead Sneezeweed	Jun–Aug	Bees	CNN
Helianthus Note	The Helianthus genus attracts long-tongued bees (honey, bumble, leaf-cutting, miner, cuckoo), short-tongued bees (Halictid & Andrenid), miscellaneous wasps, flies (Syrphid, bee, thick-headed & others), butterflies and skippers, and beetles. Hosts specialized bees: Andrena accepta/aliciae/helianthi, Dufourea marginatus, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Hosts Gorgon Checkerspot, Silvery Checkerspot and Painted Lady butterflies, and Cream-Bordered Dichomeris and Common Pinkband moths, and 68 others.
Helianthus angustifolius	Swamp Sunflower	Jul–Oct	See Helianthus Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WB
Helianthus tuberosus	Jerusalem Artichoke	Aug–Oct	See Helianthus Genus Note.	SMHN
Heliopsis helianthoides	False Sunflower	Jul–Sep	Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies	MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, WCN
Liatris microcephala	Smallhead Blazing Star	Jul–Oct	Butterflies, bees	PG, RCN
Liatris spicata	Dense Blazing-Star	Jul–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts Schinia sanguinea moth.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Liatris squarrosa	Scaly Blazingstar	Aug–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees	SF
Phlox Note	Phlox genus hosts 8 moth/butterfly species. Sphinx/hummingbird moths and skippers are the primary pollinators of phlox.
Phlox maculata	Wild Sweetwilliam Phlox	May–Sep	Butterflies, moths, hummingbirds. See Phlox Genus Note.	NSN
Phlox paniculata	Fall Phlox	Jun–Aug	Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies. See Phlox Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WCN
Rudbeckia fulgida	Orange Coneflower	Jun–Oct	Butterflies. Rudbeckia genus hosts 17 moth/butterfly species.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, SMHN, WCN
Solidago Note	Solidago genus hosts 115 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Perdita octomaculata, Melissodes fumosus, Colletes simulans/solidaginis, & several Andrena species.
Solidago rugosa	Wrinkle-Leaf Goldenrod	Jul–Oct	Bees, butterflies, beetles. See Solidago Genus Note.	BPNG, CNN, PG, RCN, WB
Solidago speciosa	Showy Goldenrod	Aug–Oct	Hosts many butterfly/moth species. See Solidago Genus Note.	JP, MRG, NSN, PG, WB
Symphyotrichum Note	Symphyotrichum genus hosts 112 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Andrena asteris/asteroids/hirticincta/nubecula/placata/simplex, and Colletes simulans.
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium	Aromatic Aster	Sep–Nov	Bees. See Symphyotrichum Genus Note.	CNN, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Symphyotrichum pilosum	Frost Aster, Heath Aster	Aug–Oct	Bees, butterflies. See Symphyotrichum Genus Note.	FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB
Vernonia noveboracensis	New York Ironweed	Aug–Sep	Butterflies, bees. Vernonia genus hosts 19 moth/butterfly species and specialized bee: Melissodes denticulatus.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WCN, WN
Veronicastrum virginicum	Culver's Root	Jul–Sep	Long and short tongued bees: honey, bumble, mason, green metallic and masked bees. Also: sphecid wasps, butterflies, moths and syrphid flies.	BPNG, FMN, MMF, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
No plants match the current filters.

*Milkweeds are a perfect example of the importance of choosing the right plant for the right place. If you have a sunny and especially dry location, butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) grows a long taproot and is quite drought tolerant once established. If you have a sunny but soggy spot, swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is tolerant of having "wet feet." For larger sunny areas, consider common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)—it spreads by rhizomes so plan for it to form colonies. For shadier sites, poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) thrives and even blooms in partial shade. MARK YOUR MILKWEED! Milkweed notoriously emerges in late spring, just when you plant over it. Leaving its stems and labeling the spot will remind you to be patient.

ɍ Special Note About Native vs. Tropical Milkweeds: The two nonnative/tropical species generally available are Mexican Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus). Though attractive and fast-growing, it is best not to plant these non-natives in WNC. In warmer regions, a buildup of a debilitating protozoan parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE) can infect monarchs. Also, their fall presence could cause migrating monarchs to break diapause and lay eggs instead of completing their migration to Mexico.

🌤️ Sun/Shade-Loving Wildflowers (2nd of 3 Wildflower Lists)

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Allium cernuum	Nodding Onion	Jun–Aug	Butterflies, honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Halictid bees	FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, TP, WN
Amsonia tabernaemontana	Eastern Blue Star	Mar–May	Hummingbirds, carpenter bees, hummingbird moths, butterflies	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Anemone virginiana	Thimbleweed	May–Jul	Flower flies, small bees: Plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), Halictid bees	FMN, NSN, PG, TP, WN
Antennaria plantaginifolia	Plantain-leaf Pussytoes	Mar–May	Bees, butterflies. Hosts American Lady butterfly.	FMN, NSN, SMHN, WN
Asarum arifolium	Little Brown Jugs	Mar–Jun	Evergreen groundcover. Flowers hidden under leaves; pollinated by flies and gnats attracted to carrion-like smell.	—
Asclepias Note	Asclepias (milkweed) genus hosts monarch and 11 other butterfly/moth species.
Asclepias exaltata	*Poke Milkweed	Jun–Jul	Butterflies, bees, beetles. See Asclepias Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, MMF, NSN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Asclepias incarnata	*Swamp Milkweed	Jun–Oct	Bees, bumble bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths. See Asclepias Genus Note.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Baptisia tinctoria	Yellow Wild Indigo	Jul–Aug	Butterflies, bees. Hosts wild indigo duskywing, silver-spotted skipper, and others.	FMN, NSN, TP, WB, WN
Campanulastrum americanum	American Bellflower	Jun–Sep	Butterflies, skippers, Halictid bees. Primary pollinators: long-tongued bees including bumble and leaf-cutting bees. Hosts specialized bees Megachile campanulae and Colletes brevicornis.	FMN, MMF
Chelone glabra	White Turtlehead	Jul–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts Baltimore Checkerspot and Common Buckeye butterflies.	BPNG, FMN, NSN, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, WB, WN
Chelone lyonii	Pink Turtlehead	Aug–Oct	Bumble bees, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds	BPNG, CNN, MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Chelone obliqua	Red Turtlehead	Jul–Sep	Bumble bees, hummingbirds	SMHN, —
Chrysopsis mariana	Maryland Goldenaster	Aug–Oct	Butterflies, bees. Chrysopsis genus supports specialized bees: Andrena fulvipennis and Perdita boltoniae.	MRG, NSN
Cirsium altissimum	Tall Thistle	Jul–Oct	Bees (bumble, Halictid, long-horned), Syrphid flies, beetles, Fritillary butterflies, Painted Lady, Swallowtail butterflies, and Sphinx moths. Hosts Swamp Metalmark and Painted Lady butterflies.	SF
Conoclinium coelestinum	Blue Mistflower	Jul–Oct	Butterflies. Magnet for fall migrating monarchs. (Caution: Plant it where you want it to spread!)	FMN, MMF, MRG, SF, TP, WB
Coreopsis auriculata	Lobed Tickseed	Mar–May	Butterflies	PG, RCN, WB
Coreopsis grandiflora	Coreopsis	May–Jun	Butterflies, bees	PG, RCN, WB
Coreopsis lanceolata	Lanceleaf Coreopsis	Apr–Jun	Butterflies, bees	MMF, MRG, PG, SF, TP, WB, WN
Coreopsis major	Greater Tickseed	May–Jul	Butterflies	JP, NSN
Coreopsis pubescens	Hairy Coreopsis	Jul–Sep	Butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds	PG
Coreopsis verticillata	Whorled Tickseed	May–Jul	Butterflies	CNN, WCN
Delphinium exaltatum	Tall Larkspur	Jul–Sep	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds	PG, RRNN, SF, TP, WB
Echinacea purpurea	Purple Coneflower	Apr–Sep	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. Hosts silvery checkerspot butterfly.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus	Hollow-Stem Joe-Pyeweed	Jul–Sep	Honeybees, bee flies, skippers, moth, butterflies. Long-tongued bees (Bombus impatiens; Ceratina dupla; Melissodes trinodis; Xylocopa virginica; Megachile inimical)	CNN, JP, NSN, PG, SMHN, WB, WN
Eupatorium perfoliatum	Common Boneset	Jun–Oct	Very accessible nectar attracts butterflies, bees, flies, wasps, and beetles. Hosts moths: Clymene, Lined Ruby Tiger, Burdock Borer, Three-Lined Flower, Blackberry Looper, & Geometrid.	BPNN, CNN, MMF, MRG, PG, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Eupatorium sessilifolium	Upland Boneset	Jul–Oct	Host plant for many species of butterflies/moths	NSN, SMHN
Eutrochium maculatum	Purple Joe-Pye Weed	Jul–Sep	Butterflies. Eutrochium genus hosts 41 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, MRG, PG, RCN, SMHN, WB, WN
Fragaria virginiana	Wild Strawberry	Apr–Jun	Hosts 69 species of butterflies/moths. Genus Fragaria supports specialized bee: Andrena melanochroa.	FMN, JP, MRG, RCN, SMHN, TP
Gentiana clausa	Bottle Gentian	Aug–Sep	Bumble bee	SF, WB
Gentiana decora	Appalachian Gentian	Sep–Oct	Bumble bee	RRNN
Gentianella quinquefolia	Eastern Agueweed	Aug–Oct	Bees, flies	—
Gillenia trifoliata	Bowman's Root	Apr–Jun	Butterflies	PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WCN
Hedeoma pulegioides	American Pennyroyal (annual)	Jul–Sep	Syrphid flies & small bees—little carpenter (Ceratina spp.), Halictid (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), dagger Calliopsis andreniformis.	SMHN
Helianthus Note	The Helianthus genus attracts long-tongued bees (honey, bumble, leaf-cutting, miner, cuckoo), short-tongued bees (Halictid & Andrenid), miscellaneous wasps, flies (Syrphid, bee, thick-headed & others), butterflies and skippers, and beetles. Hosts specialized bees: Andrena accepta/aliciae/helianthi, Dufourea marginatus, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Hosts Gorgon Checkerspot, Silvery Checkerspot and Painted Lady butterflies, and 68+ moth species.
Helianthus decapetalus	Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower	Jul–Oct	See Helianthus Genus Note.	NSN
Helianthus hirsutis	Hairy Sunflower	Aug–Nov	See Helianthus Genus Note.	CNN
Hibiscus moscheutos	Marsh Mallow Hibiscus	Jul–Sep	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. Hibiscus genus hosts 28 species of butterflies/moths and specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, TP, WB
Houstonia purpurea	Purple Bluets	May–Jun	Bees, butterflies
Hypericum punctatum	Spotted St. Johnswort	Jun–Jul	No nectar; abundant pollen attracts beetles, syrphid flies, long-tongued and short-tongued bees (bumble, Halictid). Hosts Gray Half-Spot moth and Gray Hairstreak butterflies.	FMN, PG, SMHN, WB, WN
Impatiens pallida	Yellow Jewelweed (annual)	Jun–Oct	Bumble bees. Major nectar source for fall migrating hummingbirds.	SMHN, —
Iris verna	Dwarf Violet Iris	Mar–Apr	Bees	BPNG
Lobelia cardinalis	Cardinal Flower	Jul–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts 4 moth/butterfly species.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Lobelia siphilitica	Great Blue Lobelia	Jul–Sep	Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies. Hosts 4 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Lysimachia quadrifolia	Loosestrife	May–Aug	Lysimachia genus hosts specialized bees: Macropis ciliata, Macropis patellata, and Macropis steironematis.	SMHN, WN
Monarda Note	Monarda genus hosts 7 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Dufourea monardae, Perdita gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis.
Monarda didyma	Scarlet Bee Balm	Jul–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. See Monarda Genus Note.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Monarda fistulosa	Wild Bergamot, Beebalm	May–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, Halictid bees, long-tongued bees, bee flies, wasps, skippers, hummingbird moths. Hosts Hermit Sphinx and Gray Marvel moths.	BPNG, CNN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Monarda punctata	Spotted Beebalm	Apr–Aug	Bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds. Hosts Gray Marvel and Snout moths.	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RRNN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Oenothera fruticosa	Sundrops	Apr–Aug	Hummingbirds. Moths nectar on evening blooms. Oenothera genus hosts 16 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Lasioglossum oenotherae & Melissodes fimbriatus.	FMN, MMF, NSN
Packera aurea	Golden Ragwort	Mar–Aug	Small bees (small carpenter, cuckoo, and various Halictid) and flies (Syrphid, Tachinid). Hosts The Gem moth.	CNN, MMF, RCN, SF, SMHN, WN
Penstemon canescens	Appalachian Beardtongue	May–Jun	Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies. Hosts 8 moth/butterfly species.	BPNG, MMF, NSN, TP
Penstemon digitalis	Foxglove Beardtongue	May–Jul	Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, other pollinators. Hosts Osmia bee genus.	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Penstemon smallii	Blue Ridge Beardtongue	May–Jun	Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Hosts 8 moth/butterfly species including Common Buckeye butterfly.	BPNG, FMN, NSN, PG, SMHN, WN
Phlox carolina	Carolina Phlox	May–Oct	Butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, moths, flies, bees, beetles. Hosts 8 moth/butterfly species.	BPNG, MMF, SMHN
Phlox subulata	Creeping Phlox	Mar–Jun	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts 8 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, TP, WCN
Physostegia virginiana	Obedient Plant	Jul–Oct	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds	BPNG, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WN
Pycnanthemum incanum	Hoary Mountainmint	Jul–Sep	Bees, butterflies, flies, wasps	MMF, NSN, PG, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Pycnanthemum montanum	Thinleaf Mountain Mint	Jun–Jul	Bees, wasps, butterflies, moths	NSN, SMHN, WB
Pycnanthemum muticum	Clustered Mountainmint	Jul–Sep	Bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium	Slender Mountain Mint	Jun–Sep	Native bees, bumblebees and honeybees	MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Rudbeckia Note	Rudbeckia genus hosts 17 moth/butterfly species.
Rudbeckia hirta	Black-Eyed Susan (biennial)	Jun–Oct	Bees (Little Carpenter, Leaf-Cutting, Green Metallic and other Halictine, Andrenid). Specialized bees (Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae). Flies (Syrphid, Bee & Tachinid). Hosts Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WB
Rudbeckia laciniata	Sochan, Cutleaf Coneflower	Jul–Oct	Bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, moths. See Rudbeckia Genus Note.	BPNG, FMN, MRG, NSN, PG, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Rudbeckia triloba	Brown-Eyed Susan	Jul–Sep	Bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles. Hosts Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.	CNN, MMF, NSN, PG, SF, SMHN
Salvia lyrata	Lyreleaf Sage	Apr–Jun	Butterflies	SF, SMHN, WB, WN
Scutellaria incana	Hoary Skullcap	Jul–Aug	Bees, moths	FMN, MMF, NSN, SF, TP, WB, WN
Scutellaria ovata	Heartleaf Skullcap	May–Jul	Bees, moths	NSN, SMHN
Silphium perfoliatum	Cup Plant	Jun–Aug	Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers; short-tongued bees, wasps, bee flies, and other flies	FMN, JP, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Sisyrinchium angustifolium	Narrow-Leaved Blue-Eyed Grass	Mar–Jul	Halictid bees, including green metallic bees, and Syrphid flies	CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, WCN, WN
Solidago Note	Solidago genus hosts 115 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Perdita octomaculata, Melissodes fumosus, Colletes simulans/solidaginis, & several Andrena species.
Solidago bicolor	White Goldenrod	Jul–Oct	Butterflies. See Solidago Genus Note.	SMHN
Solidago chilensis	Anise-Scented Goldenrod	Aug–Oct	Bees, butterflies. See Solidago Genus Note.	NSN, SF, WN
Solidago flexicaulis	Broad Leaf Goldenrod	Jul–Oct	See Solidago Genus Note.	NSN
Solidago sphacelata	Autumn Goldenrod	Jul–Oct	Bees. Hosts many butterfly/moth species.	CNN, MMF, WB
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	New England Aster	Aug–Oct	Butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, beetles. Hosts Pearl Crescent butterfly. Symphyotrichum genus hosts 112 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees.	CNN, FMN, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Symphyotricum patens	Late Purple Aster	Aug–Oct	Butterflies. Symphyotricum genus hosts 112 moth/butterfly species.	SMHN
Thermopsis villosa	Carolina Bush Pea	May–Jun	Bumble bees. Hosts butterflies.	BPNG, MMF, MRG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WN
Tradescantia ohiensis	Ohio Spiderwort	Mar–Aug	(Flower has only pollen, not nectar.) Bees, bumble bees	BPNG, MMF, NSN, SMHN, TP, WB
Verbena hastata	Blue Vervain	Jun–Sep	Long and short-tongued bees including epoline cuckoo, eucerine miner, halictid, and (specialist bee) verbena. Other: thread-waisted wasp, bee flies, thick-headed flies and golden soldier beetle. Hosts Verbena moth & Common Buckeye butterfly.	PG, SF, TP, WB
Verbesina alternifolia	Wingstem	Jul–Oct	Honey and native bees. Hosts gold moth, Summer Azure and silvery checkerspot butterfly.	—
Viola Note	Viola genus hosts 29 moth/butterfly species including Great Spangled Fritillary and specialized bees: Andrena fragilis/integra/platyparia.
Viola pedata	Birdfoot Violet	Mar–Jun	Hosts moths and fritillary and other butterflies. See Viola Genus Note.	RCN, SMHN
Viola sororia	Common Blue Violet	Feb–May	Butterflies, bees. Hosts moths and Fritillary butterfly. See Viola Genus Note.	MMF, MRG, WB
Zizia aptera	Heartleaf Golden Alexanders	Apr–May	Bees, butterflies, flies, beetles. Hosts black swallowtail butterfly.	MRG
Zizia aurea	Golden Alexanders	Apr–Aug	Bees, butterflies. Hosts Black Swallowtail butterfly.	FMN, JP, MMF, MRG, NSN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
No plants match the current filters.

🌑 Shade-Loving Wildflowers (3rd of 3 Wildflower Lists)

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Actaea podocarpa	Mountain Bugbane	Jul–Oct	Flies, butterflies, hummingbirds.	RRNN, WN
Actaea racemosa	Black Cohosh	May–Sep	Butterflies, hummingbirds. Hosts Appalachian Azure butterfly.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, PG, NSN, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Aquilegia canadensis	Wild Columbine	Apr–Jun	Hummingbirds, butterflies	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Arisaema triphyllum	Jack-in-the-Pulpit	Mar–Jun	Fungus gnats	BPNG, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, WB, WCN, WN
Aruncus dioicus	Goat's Beard	Jun–Jul	Butterflies, bees, beetles	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Asarum canadense	Wild Ginger	Apr–Jun	Flies. Alternate host to Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies.	BPNG, NSN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Astilbe biternata	False Goatsbeard	Apr–Jul	Bees, butterflies	BPNG, RRNN, SMHN, WB
Cardamine diphylla	Two-Leaved Toothwort	Mar–Jun	Bees, beetles. Hosts West Virginia white and Falcate orange-tip butterflies.	SMHN
Caulophyllum thalictroides	Blue Cohosh	Apr–May	Flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, Muscid, etc.), parasitoid wasps (Braconid, Ichneumonid, etc.), small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., etc.), and bumblebees.	BPNG, FMN, NSN, RRNN, SMHN, WB
Chrysogonum virginianum	Green and Gold	Mar–Oct	Bees, flies	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Dicentra eximia	Wild Bleeding Heart	Apr–Jun	Hummingbirds, bees	BPNG, FMN, NSN, PG, RRNN, SF, SMHN
Erythronium americanum	Yellow Trout Lily	Mar–May	Erythronium genus hosts specialized bee: Andrena erythronii	BPNG, SMHN, WB, WCN
Eurybia divaricata	White Wood Aster	Aug–Oct	Butterflies, bees. Hosts Pearl Crescent butterfly.	BPNG, JP, NSN, RCN, SMHN, WB
Geranium maculatum	Wild Geranium	Apr–May	Butterflies, bees	BPNG, CNN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Hepatica acutiloba	Sharp-Lobed Hepatica	Feb–Apr	Bees, flies	BPNG, SMHN, WCN
Heuchera Note	Heuchera genus hosts specialized bee: Colletes aestivalis.
Heuchera americana	Coral Bells	Mar–Aug	Bees. See Heuchera Genus Note.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, TP, WCN, WN
Heuchera villosa	Rock Alumroot	Jun–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies. See Heuchera Genus Note.	NSN, PG, RCN, TP, WCN, WN
Impatiens capensis	Jewelweed (annual)	Jun–Oct	Bees. Major nectar source for fall migrating hummingbirds.	MMF, SMHN, WB
Iris cristata	Dwarf Crested Iris	Apr–May	Hummingbirds, bees	BPNG, CNN, MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Lilium michauxii	Carolina Lily	Jul–Aug	Hummingbirds, butterflies	NSN
Lilium superbum	Turk's-Cap Lily	Jul–Aug	Hummingbirds, moths, bees, butterflies	NSN, RRNN, WB, WN
Pachysandra procumbens	Allegheny Spurge	Mar–Apr	Bees	BPNG, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WB, WCN
Phacelia bipinnatifida	Fernleaf Phacelia (biennial)	Apr–May	Hosts specialized bees: Andrena lamelliterga, Andrena phaceliae, Hoplitis simplex.	NSN
Phlox Note	Phlox genus hosts 8 moth/butterfly species. Sphinx/hummingbird moths and skippers are the primary pollinators of phlox.
Phlox divaricata	Eastern Blue Phlox	Mar–May	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. See Phlox Genus Note.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WCN, WN
Phlox stolonifera	Creeping Phlox	Apr–May	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. See Phlox Genus Note.	CNN, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WCN
Podophyllum cymosum	Umbrella Leaf	Apr–Jun	Bees, beetles, flies	BPNG, PG
Polygonatum biflorum	Solomon's Seal	Mar–Jun	Bumble bees, butterflies	BPNG, CNN, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, WB, WCN, WN
Primula meadia	Shooting Star	Mar–Jun	Bees	JP, PG, RRNN, SMHN
Sanguinaria canadensis	Bloodroot	Mar–Apr	(Flower has only pollen, not nectar.) Honey and bumble bees, Syrphid flies, beetles. Hosts specialized bees: little carpenter, Halictid, Andrenid.	NSN, PG, WB
Sedum ternatum	Woodland Stonecrop	Apr–Jun	Butterflies	BPNG, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP
Silene virginica	Fire Pink	May–Jul	Hummingbirds, flies, bees, butterflies	CNN, NSN, SF, SMHN, TP, WN
Solidago curtisii	Curtis' Goldenrod	Aug–Oct	Butterflies, beetles, bees. See Solidago Genus Note.	SMHN
Spigelia marilandica	Indian Pink	Jun	Hummingbirds	CNN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Symphyotrichum cordifolium	Blue Wood Aster	Sep–Oct	Butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, beetles. Symphyotrichum genus hosts 112 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees.	BPNG, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, WB, WN
Thalictrum pubescens	Tall Meadowrue	Jun–Aug	Butterflies	NSN, PG, RRNN, WCN, WN
Tiarella cordifolia	Foamflower	Apr–May	Butterflies, bees, moths	BPNG, CNN, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Trillium erectum	Wake Robin Trillium	Mar–Apr	Hosts Black-Patched Clepsis and American Angle Shades moths.	PG
Trillium catesbaei	Catesby's Trillium	Mar–Jun	Bees. Hosts moth species.	—
Trillium cuneatum	Little Sweet Betsy	Mar–Apr	Bees. Hosts moth species.	BPNG
Trillium grandiflorum	Great White Trillium	Apr–May	Bees. Hosts moth species.	BPNG, PG, SMHN, WCN
Trillium luteum	Yellow Trillium	Apr–Jun	Bees, beetles	PG, SMHN, WCN
Viola Note	Viola genus hosts 29 moth/butterfly species including Great Spangled Fritillary and specialized bees: Andrena fragilis/integra/platyparia.
Viola blanda	Sweet White Violet	Apr–May	Butterflies, bees. See Viola Genus Note.	SMHN
Viola rotundifolia	Roundleaf Yellow Violet	Mar–Apr	See Viola Genus Note.	SMHN
Viola striata	Striped Cream Violet	Mar–Jun	Butterflies, skippers, bees. See Viola Genus Note.	SMHN
No plants match the current filters.

🌿 Shrubs

Can't find your shrub here? Check the Tree list (Parts IV–V). Taller shrubs (over 5') are marked with a + sign at the end of the scientific name. Taller shrubs are sometimes considered trees and smaller trees are sometimes considered shrubs.

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Amelanchier canadensis+	Canadian Serviceberry	Apr–May	Bees; beetles, wasps, flies; hosts 18 moth & butterfly species including Red-Spotted Purple & Viceroy. Amelanchier genus hosts 124 moth/butterfly species.	FMN, RCN, SF
Amorpha fruticosa+	Tall/False Indigo-Bush	Apr–Jun	Butterflies, bees	PG, SMHN, WB
Aronia arbutifolia+	Red Chokeberry	May	Butterflies. Hosts 6 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB
Aronia melanocarpa+	Black Chokeberry	May–Jun	Butterflies	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Callicarpa americana	American Beautyberry	May–Jul	Butterflies. Hosts spring azure and snowberry clearwing.	FMN, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB
Calycanthus floridus+	Carolina Allspice	Apr–May	Butterflies, beetles	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Ceanothus americanus	New Jersey Tea	May–Jun	Butterflies, bees, moths, predatory wasps. Hosts Mottled Duskywing, Spring Azure, Summer Azure butterflies. Ceanothus genus hosts specialized bees: Pseudopanurgus pauper and Pseudopanurgus virginicus.	CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, SF, WB, WN
Cephalanthus occidentalis+	Buttonbush	Jun–Aug	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts 19 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, RRNN, SF, TP, WB, WN
Clethra acuminata+	Mountain Pepperbush	Jul–Aug	Hummingbirds, butterflies	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN
Comptonia peregrina	Sweetfern	May–Aug	Butterflies	RCN, SMHN
Corylus americana+	Hazelnut	Apr–Jun	Hosts 10 moth/butterfly species including Juvenal's Duskywing skipper.	CNN, JP, FMN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Diervilla sessilifolia	Southern Bush Honeysuckle	Jul–Aug	Bumble bees	BPNG, CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, RRNN, TP, WN
Euonymus americanus+	Hearts-a-Bustin	May–Jun	Flies, bees. Hosts 11 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, WB
Fothergilla major+	Mountain Witchalder	Apr–May	Bees	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SF, TP
Hamamelis virginiana+	American Witchhazel	Sep–Nov	Moths (primary pollinator); native bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 63 moth/butterfly species including Henry's Elfin butterfly.	FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Hydrangea arborescens	Smooth Hydrangea	May–Jun	Butterflies. Hosts hydrangea sphinx moth.	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN
Hydrangea radiata	Silverleaf Hydrangea	May–Jul	Butterflies	FMN
Hypericum Note	Hypericum genus hosts 20 moth/butterfly species.
Hypericum densiflorum	Bushy St. John's-Wort	Jun–Aug	Beetles. See Hypericum Genus Note.	CNN, RCN
Hypericum hypericoides	St. Andrew's Cross	May–Aug	See Hypericum Genus Note.	FMN, NSN, SMHN
Hypericum prolificum	Shrubby St. Johnswort	Jun–Oct	(Flower has only pollen, not nectar.) Bumble and Halictid bees, Syrphid flies. Hosts 20 moth/butterfly species including Gray Hairstreak butterfly and Gray Half-Spot moths.	CNN, FMN, SMHN, SF, TP
Ilex verticillata+	Common Winterberry	Apr–Jul	Hosts Henry's Elfin butterfly. Ilex genus hosts specialized bee: Colletes banksi.	CNN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WN
Itea virginica+	Virginia Sweetspire	Aug–Oct	Butterflies	CNN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Kalmia latifolia+	Mountain Laurel	May–Jun	Hummingbirds, butterflies. Hosts 33 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, TP
Leucothoe fontanesiana	Doghobble	Apr–May	Bees, butterflies	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SMHN, WB
Lindera benzoin+	Spicebush	Apr	Hosts 11 butterfly species including Spicebush & Palamedes Swallowtail.	CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Philadelphus inodorus+	Mock Orange	Apr–May	Bees	FMN, RRNN
Physocarpus opulifolius+	Common Ninebark	May–Jun	Bees	CNN, NSN, PG, RCN, WB, WN
Prunus americana+	American Plum	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Hosts 46 moth & butterfly species including Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spring Azure, Viceroy, and Red-Spotted Purple.	PG, SF, TP
Rhododendron Note	Rhododendron genus hosts 51 moth/butterfly species and specialized bee: Andrena cornelli.
Rhododendron arborescens+	Sweet/Smooth Azalea	Jun–Jul	Butterflies, bees. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, RRNN, RCN, SMHN
Rhododendron catawbiense+	Catawba Rhododendron	Jun	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	FMN, PG, RCN, RRNN
Rhododendron maximum+	Rosebay Rhododendron	Jun–Jul	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, SMHN
Rhododendron minus	Carolina Rhododendron	Apr–May	Hummingbirds. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	CNN, FMN
Rhododendron periclymenoides+	Pinxter Azalea	Mar–May	Butterflies, bees. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, RCN, SMHN
Rhododendron vaseyi+	Pinkshell Azalea	Apr–May	Butterflies, bees. See Rhododendron Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, RCN
Rhododendron viscosum	Swamp Azalea	May–Aug	Butterflies. Rhododendron genus hosts specialized bee: Andrena cornelli.	CNN, FMN, RCN, SMHN
Rhus aromatica+	Fragrant Sumac	Apr–Jun	Bees, butterflies. Hosts red-banded hairstreak butterfly.	CNN, PG, RCN, WN
Rhus glabra	Smooth Sumac	May–Jul	Butterflies. Hosts Red-Banded Hairstreak butterfly.	PG, SF, SMHN
Rhus typhina	Staghorn Sumac	Jun–Jul	Bees. Hosts Luna moth and Spring Azure butterfly.	PG, SMHN, WB
Rosa carolina	Carolina Rose	May–Jun	Flower has only pollen. Long-tongued bees (bumble, Anthophorine, digger, green metallic), Syrphid flies, beetles. Hosts many moths.	CNN, NSN, SMHN, SF, WB
Rosa palustris	Swamp Rose	May–Jul	Flower offers only pollen. Bumble bees, long-tongued bees, Halictid bees, Syrphid flies, tumbling flower beetles. Hosts moths.	CNN, JP, PG, WB
Rosa virginiana	Virginia Rose	Jun–Aug	Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds	RCN, WB
Rubus odoratus	Flowering Raspberry	Jun–Aug	Butterflies, bees. (Some cavity-nesting bees nest in stems.)	SF, SMHN
Salix Note	Salix genus hosts specialized bees: Andrena bisalicis/erythrogaster/fenningeri/illinoiensis/mariae/salictaria and 455 moth/butterfly species including Acadian Hairstreak and Viceroy butterflies, and Dreamy Duskywing skipper.
Salix humilis+	Prairie Willow	Mar–May	Flies and small bees including Cuckoo, Halictid and Andrenid bees. See Salix Genus Note.	SF
Salix sericea+	Silky Willow	Apr	Honeybees, native bees. See Salix Genus Note.	RCN, SF, WN
Sambucus canadensis+	Common Elderberry	May–Jul	Butterflies. Hosts 42 moth/butterfly species.	CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Spiraea alba	Narrowleaf Meadowsweet	Jun–Sep	Bees, butterflies, moths. Hosts Spring Azure butterfly.	CNN, PG, SF, WB
Spiraea tomentosa	Steeplebush, Hardhack	Jul–Sep	Bees, butterflies, moths	CNN, JP, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus	Coral Berry	Jul–Sep	Hosts moths.	PG, SMHN, WB, WN
Vaccinium Note	Vaccinium genus hosts 288 moth/butterfly species and specialized bees: Andrena bradleyi/carolina, Panurginus atramontensis, Habropoda laboriosa, Colletes productus/validus, and Osmia virga.
Vaccinium altomontanum	Blue Ridge Blueberry	Apr–May	Blueberry bees, bumble bees. Hosts 38 moths. See Vaccinium Genus Note.	RRNN
Vaccinium corymbosum+	Highbush Blueberry	May–Jun	Bees, butterflies. Hosts Brown Elfin butterfly. See Vaccinium Genus Note.	CNN, PG, RCN
Vaccinium macrocarpon	Cranberry	May–Jul	Blueberry bees, bumble bees. See Vaccinium Genus Note.	RCN, TP
Viburnum Note	The Viburnum genus hosts 104 moth/butterfly species including spring azure butterflies and hummingbird clearwing moths.
Viburnum acerifolium	Maple-Leaf Viburnum	Apr–Aug	See Viburnum Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, SMHN, WN
Viburnum carolinianum	Carolina Arrowwood	Apr–Jun	See Viburnum Genus Note.	CNN
Viburnum cassinoides+	Witherod Viburnum	May–Jun	See Viburnum Genus Note.	CNN, FMN, RCN
Viburnum lantanoides	Hobblebush	May–Jun	Butterflies. See Viburnum Genus Note.	RRNN
Viburnum nudum+	Possumhaw Holly	Jun–Jul	See Viburnum Genus Note.	PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP
Viburnum prunifolium+	Smooth Blackhaw	Apr–May	Bees. See Viburnum Genus Note.	CNN, RCN, SMHN
Xanthorhiza simplicissima	Yellowroot	Mar–May	Bees	CNN, FMN, JP, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB
Yucca filamentosa	Adam's Needle, Yucca	Apr–Aug	Hummingbirds. Mutualistic relationship with small white yucca moth. Also hosts Yucca Giant and Cofaqui Giant skippers.	PG, RCN, SMHN, WB
No plants match the current filters.

🌿 Vines

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Aristolochia macrophylla	Dutchman's Pipe	May–Jun	Flies. Hosts Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly.	MMF, RRNN, SF, WB
Bignonia capreolata	Crossvine	Mar–Apr	Hummingbirds. Hosts Rustic Sphinx moth.	FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, WB, WCN
Clematis virginiana	Virgin's Bower	Jul–Sep	Butterflies, bees, wasps, hummingbirds, moths	FMN, MMF, NSN, TP, WB
Hydrangea barbara	Climbing Hydrangea	May–Oct	Bees, butterflies, other pollinators	FMN, NSN, RCN
Lonicera sempervirens	Coral/Trumpet Honeysuckle	Mar–Jun	Hummingbirds. Hosts 36 moth/butterfly species including Spring Azure butterfly & Snowberry Clearwing Moth.	FMN, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Virginia Creeper ϕ	Jun–Jul	Bees. Hosts several species of sphinx moths.	—
Passiflora incarnata	Passion Vine, Maypops ϕ	May–Sep	Bees. Hosts Gulf and Variegated Fritillary butterflies.	JP, MMF, PG, RCN, TP, WB
Passiflora lutea	Eastern Yellow Passionflower	May–Sep	Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees. Hosts Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Heliconia, and Variegated Fritillary. Hosts tiny, specialized passionflower bee, Anthemurgus passiflorae.	FMN, MMF, TP, WB
Wisteria frutescens	American Wisteria	May–Jun	Birds, butterflies, hummingbirds	—
No plants match the current filters.

ϕ Caution: Passion vine and Virginia creeper are very aggressive. Passion vine spreads by root suckers; may best be grown in a pot. Virginia creeper is poisonous (possibly fatal if eaten) and can cause allergic skin reactions. It can damage gutters and building surfaces.

🌳 Trees

Can't find your tree here? Check the taller shrub lists. Trees under 50' are marked <; trees over 50' are marked >. Emerging science shows bees collect pollen from both animal- and wind-pollinated trees, especially in early spring.

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Acer rubrum >	Red Maple	Mar–Apr	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 285 moths.	PG, RCN, TP
Acer saccharinum >	Silver Maple	Mar–Apr	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 56 moths.	WB
Acer saccharum >	Sugar Maple	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 107 moths.	PG, RCN, TP
Aesculus flava >	Yellow Buckeye	May–Jun	Native bees; hummingbirds (major spring migration nectar source). Hosts 5 moths.	FMN, SMHN, WN
Amelanchier Note	Amelanchier genus hosts 124 moth/butterfly species.
Amelanchier arborea <	Common Serviceberry	Mar–May	Native bees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts Red-Spotted Purple butterfly. See Amelanchier Genus Note.	FMN
Amelanchier laevis <	Allegheny Serviceberry	Mar–Apr	Native bees. Hosts Bucculatrix pomifoliella moth, and Red-Spotted Purple & Viceroy butterflies.	FMN, TP, WB, WN
Asimina triloba <	Pawpaw	Apr–May	Beetles, wasps, flies; moths. Hosts 12 moth & butterfly species including Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.	FMN, JP, MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, SF, TP, WB, WN
Betula lenta >	Sweet Birch	May–Jun	Hosts 22 moths/butterflies including Mourning Cloak & Dreamy Duskywing.	SMHN
Betula nigra >	River Birch	Apr–May	Hosts 17 moths/butterflies including Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies.	PG, RCN, TP, WB, WN
Carpinus caroliniana <	American Hornbeam	Apr–May	Hosts 50 moth & butterfly species including Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Red-Spotted Purple.	PG, SMHN, WN
Cercis canadensis <	Eastern Redbud	Mar–Apr	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies; hummingbirds. Hosts 24 moth & butterfly species including Henry's Elfin butterfly. Hosts specialist bee Habropoda laboriosa. Leafcutter bees cut disks from leaves for nesting.	MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Chionanthus virginicus <	White Fringetree	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Hosts 8 moth species.	FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN, SF, TP, WB
Cladrastis kentukea <	Kentucky Yellowwood	Jun–Jul	Native bees; butterflies	FMN, SMHN
Cornus Note	Cornus genus hosts specialized bees: Andrena fragilis/integra/platyparia.
Cornus alternifolia <	Alternateleaf Dogwood	Apr–May	Native bees; beetles, wasps, flies; butterflies. Hosts 118 moth & butterfly species. See Cornus Genus Note.	SF
Cornus florida <	Flowering Dogwood	Mar–Apr	Native bees; bumble bees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Hosts 118 moth & butterfly species. (Consider Anthracnose-resistant cultivars.) See Cornus Genus Note.	RCN, TP
Crataegus phaenopyrum <	Washington Hawthorn	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies; hummingbirds. Hosts 168 moth/butterfly species including Gray Hairstreak, Red-Spotted Purple, and Viceroy.	FMN, SF, TP, WB, WN
Diospyros virginiana <	Common Persimmon	May–Jun	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Hosts 46 butterflies/moths.	FMN, JP, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Fagus grandifolia >	American Beech	Apr–May	Hosts 134 moths/butterflies.	PG, RCN, SMHN, TP
Gleditsia triacanthos >	Honeylocust	May–Jun	Native bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Hosts 47 moths/butterflies.	RCN, TP
Halesia tetraptera <	Mountain Silverbell	Apr–May	Native bees; butterflies. Hosts 3 moths.	FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN
Ilex opaca <	American Holly	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; butterflies. Hosts 39 moth & butterfly species.	PG, SMHN, RCN, SF, TP
Juniperus virginiana >	Eastern Redcedar	May–Jun	Hosts 42 moth/butterflies.	PG, SF, WB
Liriodendron tulipifera >	Tuliptree	Apr–May	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; hummingbirds; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 22 moths/butterflies including tiger swallowtails.	SMHN, TP
Magnolia acuminata >	Cucumber Tree	Apr–May	Beetles, native bees; wasps, flies. Hosts 9 moths/butterflies.	JP, RRNN, SMHN
Magnolia fraseri >	Mountain Magnolia	Apr–May	Beetles are primary pollinators of magnolias.	FMN, SMHN
Magnolia tripetala <	Umbrella-Tree	Apr–May	Beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts Callosamia angulifera moth.	FMN, SMHN
Magnolia virginiana <	Sweetbay	Jun–Aug	Native bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 14 butterflies/moths.	FMN, PG, RCN, SMHN
Nyssa sylvatica >	Blackgum	May–Jun	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies. Hosts 36 moth/butterfly species.	JP, PG, RCN, SF, WB, WCN
Ostrya virginiana <	Hophornbeam	Apr–May	Hosts 91 butterflies/moths.	FMN, MMF, SMHN
Oxydendrum arboreum <	Sourwood	Jun–Jul	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; butterflies. Hosts 14 moths.	FMN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB
Pinus strobus >	Eastern White Pine	May–Jun	Pollen for bees. Hosts 97 moths/butterflies.	PG, WB
Platanus occidentalis >	American Sycamore	Apr–May	Hosts 35 moths/butterflies.	WB
Quercus Note	Quercus genus hosts >540 moths/butterfly species.
Quercus alba >	White Oak	Apr–May	Bumble bees. Hosts 166 moth/butterfly species.	PG, RCN, TP, WB, WN
Quercus bicolor >	Swamp White Oak	Mar–Apr	Bumble bees. Hosts 17 moth/butterfly species.	TP
Quercus palustris >	Pin Oak	Apr–May	Bumble bees. Hosts 40 moth/butterfly species.	PG, RCN, TP
Quercus rubra >	Northern Red Oak	Apr–May	Bumble bees. Hosts 174 moth/butterfly species.	PG, RCN
Salix nigra >	Black Willow	Mar–Apr	Native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; moths; butterflies. Salix genus hosts 455+ moth/butterfly species including Acadian Hairstreak, Viceroy, and Dreamy Duskywing skipper.	SMHN, TP, WB
Sassafras albidum <	Sassafras	May–Jun	Native bees; bumble bees; beetles, wasps, flies; butterflies. Hosts 38 moth & butterfly species including Spicebush Swallowtail.	FMN, WB
Tilia americana >	American Basswood	May–Jun	Moths (primary pollinator); native bees; bumble bees; honeybees; beetles, wasps, flies; hummingbirds. Hosts 149 moth/butterfly species.	PG, TP
Tsuga canadensis >	Eastern Hemlock	Apr–May	Hosts 63 moths.	RCN
Ulmus americana >	American Elm	Mar–Apr	Honeybees. Hosts 135 moths/butterflies.	—
Ulmus rubra >	Slippery Elm	Jan–Apr	Honeybees. Hosts 31 moths/butterflies.	SMHN, —
No plants match the current filters.

🌾 Bunch Grasses / Sedges / Rushes

While grasses generally don't provide nectar, they are important for pollinator habitat and possibly as pollen sources for bees. Native bunch grasses/sedges/rushes serve as larval hosts and habitat for overwintering butterfly eggs, caterpillars and pupae. Their thatch offers protection from predators and cold weather and creates nesting conditions for many bumble bees. Bunch grasses also stabilize flower beds and meadows, fending off exotic invasive plants.

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Value to Pollinators	Supplier
Andropogon Note	Andropogon genus hosts common wood nymph & skippers.
Andropogon ternarius	Splitbeard Bluestem	See Andropogon Genus Note.	CNN, MMF, TP, WN
Andropogon virginicus	Broomsedge Bluestem	See Andropogon Genus Note.	RCN, SMHN, TP
Arundinaria gigantea	River Cane	Hosts Southern Pearly-Eye butterfly and various skippers.	MRG
Carex appalachica	Appalachian Sedge	Flowers have nectar. Hosts skippers.	BPNG, CNN, PG, RCN, SF, WB, WCN, WN
Carex flaccosperma	Blue Wood Sedge	Hosts Satyr butterflies.	RCN
Carex pensylvanica	Pennsylvania Sedge	Hosts 36 species of caterpillars including Satyr butterflies.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, TP
Carex plantaginea	Plantain-Leaved Sedge	Hosts Satyr butterflies.	NSN, RCN, SF, SMHN
Carex rosea	Rosy Sedge	Hosts skippers.	NSN, SMHN
Carex texensis	Texas Sedge	Hosts skippers.	BPNG
Chasmanthium latifolium	River Oats	Hosts Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly and various skippers.	FMN, JP, PG, SMHN, TP, WB, WN
Dichanthelium clandestinum	Deer-Tongue Grass	Hosts skippers and moths.	PG
Elymus canadensis	Canada Wildrye	Hosts Zabulon skipper butterfly.	JP, SF
Elymus hystrix	Bottlebrush Grass	Hosts Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly and moths.	JP, NSN, SF
Eragrostis spectabilis	Purple Lovegrass	Hosts skippers.	CNN, SF, TP, WB
Juncus effusus	Soft Rush	Nesting and overwintering habitat for moths & butterflies.	FMN, JP, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WCN, WN
Muhlenbergia capillaris	Muhly Grass	Nesting habitat for bumble bees.	CNN, FMN, PG, RCN, SF, WB, WCN, WN
Panicum virgatum	Switchgrass	Hosts pink streak moths, common wood nymph, & skipper butterflies.	CNN, MRG, PG, RCN, TP, WCN, WN
Schizachyrium scoparium	Little Bluestem	Hosts common wood nymph and skipper butterflies.	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, WB, WCN, WN
Sorghastrum nutans	Indian Grass	Hosts Pepper-and-Salt Skipper butterfly.	NSN, SF, WN
Tridens flavus	Purple Top	Hosts common wood nymph and skipper butterflies: Crossline, Little Glassywing, and Broad-Winged.	SF
No plants match the current filters.

🐦 Natural Hummingbird Feeders

Generally, these flowers attract hummingbirds because they are tubular, and/or red/orange, and/or have abundant nectar. If the flower is lucky, the hummingbird's forehead will collect pollen from its anthers. See full "Value to Pollinators" in the respective wildflower, vine, tree, and shrub lists above.

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Flowering	Plant Type	Supplier
Aesculus flava	Yellow Buckeye	May–Jun	Tree	PG, RCN, TP
Amsonia tabernaemontana	Eastern Blue Star	Mar–May	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, FMN, NSN, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Aquilegia canadensis	Wild Columbine	Apr–Jun	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Bignonia capreolata	Crossvine	Mar–Apr	Vine	FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, WB, WCN
Chelone lyonii	Pink Turtlehead	Aug–Oct	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, MMF, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
Chelone obliqua	Red Turtlehead	Jul–Sep	Wildflower	SMHN, —
Delphinium exaltatum	Tall Larkspur	Jul–Sep	Wildflower	PG, RRNN, SF, TP, WB
Dicentra eximia	Wild Bleeding Heart	Apr–Jun	Wildflower	BPNG, FMN, NSN, PG, RRNN, SF, SMHN
Impatiens capensis	Jewelweed	Jun–Oct	Wildflower	MMF, SMHN, WB
Impatiens pallida	Yellow Jewelweed	Jun–Oct	Wildflower	SMHN, —
Lilium superbum	Turk's Cap Lily	Jul–Aug	Wildflower	NSN, RRNN, WB, WN
Liriodendron tulipifera	Tuliptree	Apr–May	Tree	SMHN, TP
Lobelia cardinalis	Cardinal Flower	Jul–Sep	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Lobelia siphilitica	Great Blue Lobelia	Jul–Sep	Wildflower	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Lonicera sempervirens	Coral Honeysuckle	Mar–Jun	Vine	FMN, MMF, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Monarda didyma	Scarlet Bee Balm	Jul–Sep	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, FMN, JP, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, RRNN, SF, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Monarda fistulosa	Beebalm	May–Sep	Wildflower	BPNG, CNN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Monarda punctata	Spotted Beebalm	Apr–Aug	Wildflower	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, NSN, PG, RRNN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Penstemon canescens	Appalachian Beardtongue	May–Jun	Wildflower	BPNG, MMF, NSN, TP
Penstemon digitalis	Foxglove Beardtongue	May–Jul	Wildflower	CNN, FMN, MMF, MRG, PG, RCN, SF, TP, WB, WCN, WN
Penstemon smallii	Blue Ridge Beardtongue	May–Jun	Wildflower	BPNG, FMN, NSN, PG, SMHN, WN
Physostegia virginiana	Obedient Plant	Jul–Oct	Wildflower	BPNG, FMN, MMF, PG, RCN, SF, SMHN, TP, WN
Silene virginica	Fire Pink	May–Jul	Wildflower	CNN, NSN, SF, SMHN, TP, WN
Spigelia marilandica	Indian Pink	Jun	Wildflower	CNN, PG, RCN, SMHN, TP, WB, WCN
No plants match the current filters.

🏠 Pollinator-Friendly Garden Designers & Landscape Architects

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BeeHaven Gardens LLC

Services: Design, consulting, container garden installation.
Specializing in small-spot pollinator gardens; helping home gardeners integrate pollinator-friendly plants.Contact: Patrice German, [email protected], 803-487-2166

Blackbird Landscapes LLC

Services: Design/installation of native plantings and hardscape; limited maintenance.
Scientifically driven approach. Specializing in building plant communities and full meadow installations; exclusively sourcing local plant material.Contact: [email protected], 828-680-1322

Equinox Environmental

Services: Planning and design for large and small-scale, public or private projects.
Streams & wetland mitigation, invasive exotic species management, environmental & regulatory permitting, habitat management, ecological monitoring.Contact: (828) 253-6856

Gardens That Matter

Services: Onsite garden consultations, online classes and community, including "How to Grow a Pollinator Café."
Brings together gardeners to grow more food and flowers, enjoy a deeper connection with nature, and practice sustainability.Contact: Amy and Colby Landers, [email protected]

Living Roofs, Inc.

Services: Green roofs, living roofs, living walls.
Designing and building green roofs throughout the Southeast that support native pollinators.Contact: Kathryn Ancaya, [email protected]

Mary Weber Landscape Architecture, PLLC

Services: Landscape architecture and planning for residential, small-scale commercial, and public projects.
Designing ecologically sustainable built environments integrating native plants, pollinator-attracting gardens, and natural stormwater management.Contact: Mary Weber, [email protected], 828-281-3153

Mountain Native Landscape Design

Services: Residential landscape design and consulting, public speaking on native landscaping and rain gardens.
Designing beautiful landscapes incorporating native plants to bring in myriad forms of wildlife.Contact: Drew Lathin, [email protected]

M R Gardens

Services: Landscape design and garden coaching.
Helping customers with designs using native perennials that benefit the ecosystem; farm tours of native flower gardens, orchards, and vegetable beds.Contact: Megan Riley, [email protected], 828-333-4151

PatchWork Meadows

Services: Design, installation, maintenance.
Converting residential and commercial lawn into wildflower meadow patches benefiting bees, butterflies, birds, and wildlife. Part of pollinator corridors through Buncombe County.Contact: Emily Sampson, [email protected], 828-545-6826

Randy Burroughs

Services: Consulting for habitat gardens and meadows; growing locally native grasses.
Retired landscape architect/horticulturist.Contact: [email protected]

Raymond's Landscaping, LLC

Services: Landscape architecture and design, plant installation, grading, custom water features, retaining walls, irrigation, hardscapes, patios, fire pits, accent lighting.
Family and customer-oriented since 1993; uses 60% plants from Raymond's Garden Center and sources the rest locally.Contact: 828-696-8000 or request a quote online

Sitework Studios Landscape Architecture & Design

Services: Land-use planning, public presentation and input, horticulture, fine garden design, construction documents, project management.
All practice areas approached with a focus on sustainability.Contact: Matthew Sprouse, PLA, [email protected], 828-225-4945

Spriggly's Beescaping

Services: Design, installation, and maintenance.
Native habitat restoration and pollinator garden design, with a focus on areas disturbed by human development.Contact: Brannen Basham, [email protected]; Jill Jacobs, [email protected]. (484) 888-1180

Terri Long Landscape Design, Inc.

Services: Residential landscape design and installation coordination.
Naturally inspired gardens incorporating native plants; passionate about providing habitats for birds, butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.Contact: Terri Long, [email protected], 828.299.2399

TTK Design

Services: Design/Build Landscape Architecture.
Designed many pollinator-friendly gardens through WNC, including demonstration pollinator gardens at the bee mural site in downtown Hendersonville.Contact: Tricia King, 802-338-2906, [email protected]

Wild Ash Consulting

Services: Native garden design and installation, rain gardens, creekbank repair, small landslide repair, shade and sloped gardens.
Based in Fairview, NC. Specializing in native garden design and ecological restoration--showing that native gardens can be intentional, artful spaces that also strengthen biodiversity.Contact: Ashley Haywood, 828-367-7222, [email protected]

Test native plant list

This is a test of a new plant list presentation:

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