Natural Resources Commission: Easy Plants to Attract Pollinators

By Meagan Provencher, City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commissioner

It’s easy to attract pollinators to your garden by adding just a few plants. Often it’s as simple as “if you build it, they will come.” While native plants are always a great choice, it’s perfectly fine to include non-natives too – many are just as attractive to pollinators. The key is choosing plants that haven’t been overly modified from their original form.

For example, Coneflowers (Echinacea) with double blooms may look showy to us, but they’re far less useful to pollinators – stick with single-flowered varieties. The same idea applies to foliage. If a pollinator is drawn to a plant with green leaves, it’s less likely to recognize a purple-leafed version bred for looks. When in doubt, ask your local garden center for guidance on pollinator-friendly options.

Here are some easy favorites to mix into almost any garden:

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) – Bright orange blooms that support Monarch butterflies as both a food and nectar source; thrives in well-drained soils.
• Salvia – Available in blues, pinks, and whites; loved by hummingbirds and butterflies; drought-tolerant and sturdy.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – A classic for bees and butterflies, with many sizes and varieties to choose from.
• Coneflower (Echinacea) – Native types are best, but single-flowered cultivars in a range of colors also perform well.
• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum) – A standout for bees and small pollinators; spreads easily and reliably.
• Bee Balm (Monarda) – Jewel-toned blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies; spreads without becoming invasive.
• Sedum – Tough, drought-tolerant plants that draw in bees and butterflies in large numbers.
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia) – A true red native that thrives in moist soils and is a hummingbird favorite.
• Phlox – Fragrant, tall, and perfect for borders; a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Betony (Stachys) – Bright pink flowers with a long bloom time; especially popular with native bumble bees.
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium) – Tall and dramatic, with large blooms covered in pollinators by late summer – give it space.
• Gayfeather (Liatris) – A colorful native that reliably attracts a wide range of pollinators.

A few thoughtful additions can turn any garden into a lively, pollinator-friendly space.