Learn / Native Pollinators
Save Native Pollinators
Plant New Native Pollinator Habitat
Starter Lists
These lists are comprised of suggested native, pollinator friendly plants that are relatively easy to grow and find at local nurseries. They also fulfill all the plant requirements for the respective tier they're associated with. If you're starting from scratch, using one of these to guide your planting choices is the fastest way to create an effective pollinator habitat and get your certification. Please note that these plants aren't required. They are suggested collections to inspire you. However, any plants our the full native plant list count towards certification.
Create Pollinator Habitat (Egg Level)
Starter List #1
Asclepias incarnata
(Jun - Oct)
Larval host - monarch butterfly
Solidago sp.
(Sep - Oct)
Common yarrow
Lanceleaf coreopsis
Achillea millefolium
(Apr - Sep)
Coreopsis lanceolata
(Apr - Jun)
Bee balm
Purple coneflower
Monarda didyma
(Jul - Sep)
Echinacea purpurea
(Apr - Sep)
Goldenrod
Swamp milkweed
Create a Pollinator Habitat (Egg Level)
Starter List #2
Wild geranium
Creeping phlox
Geranium maculatum
(Apr - May)
Phlox subulata
(Apr - Jun)
Butterflyweed
False blue indigo
Asclepias tuberosa
(Jun - Sep)
Larval host - monarch butterfly
Baptisia australis
(Apr - Jul)
Goldenrod
Black-eyed susan
Solidago sp.
(Sep - Oct)
Rudbeckia sp.
(Jun - Oct)
Create a Pollinator Habitat (Caterpillar Level)
Starter List #1
Shrubs/Trees
Echinacea purpurea
(Apr - Sep)
Monarda didyma
(Jul - Sep)
Asclepias incarnata
(Jun - Oct)
Larval host - monarch butterfly
Solidago sp.
(Sep - Oct)
Arrowwood viburnum
Oakleaf hydrangea
Viburnum dentatum
Larval host - spring azure butterfly
Hydrangea quercifolia
Perennials
Common yarrow
Columbine
Achillea millefolium
(Apr - Sep)
Aquilegia canadensis
(Apr - May)
Bee balm
Purple coneflower
Goldenrod
Swamp milkweed
Create a Pollinator Habitat (Caterpillar Level)
Starter List #2
Shrubs/Trees
Sweet pepperbush
Virginia sweetspire
Perennials
Clethra alnifolia
Itea virginica
Creeping phlox
Lanceleaf coreopsis
Phlox subulata
(Apr - May)
Coreopsis lanceolata
(Apr - Jun)
Butterflyweed
False blue indigo
Baptisia australis
(Apr - Jul)
Asclepias tuberosa
(Jun - Sep)
Larval host - monarch butterfly
Dense blazing star
Liatris spicata
(Jul - Sep)
New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
(Aug - Oct)
Larval host - pearl crescent and checkerspot butterflies
Looking for more in-depth information?
Native Pollinator-Friendly Plant Lists
These lists are compiled with help from local plant experts and nursery owners to provide extensive (but not exhaustive) references for planting with native pollinators in mind. They are PACKED with a lot of valuable information.
Mobile-Friendly
Simplified Plant Lists
More Native Pollinator Planting Resources
Local nurseries
A list of local nurseries that carry native plants. Support local pollinators and local businesses at the same time! Call first to see if they have what you're looking for.
Bloom Time List
A list of recommended perennials organized by when they start blooming. This is helpful for picking plants from each part of the growing season, as required for some levels of certification.
NC Pollinator Toolkit
An in-depth guide on all facets of creating pollinator habitat in North Carolina. It includes everything from site selection to long-term maintenance. You can find another detailed plant list at the end of this document.
Public Pollinator Habitat and Meadows Project
To help our native pollinators survive the pressures of a changing climate, we’re planting as much native plant habitat as possible everywhere we can. To accomplish this, our dedicated Bee City USA - AVL committee has taken the lead to plant public pollinator gardens and meadows throughout Asheville, starting with the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.
Want to help us fill Asheville with native pollinator habitat?
Inspired to create pollinator habitat on public property?
This fall, leaving your rake in the garage and letting yourself be lazy is the best way to protect habitat for native pollinators. Many of our native pollinators need fall leaf litter as their winter home. To protect them, just leave your leaves where they fall.
Want more ways to protect native pollinators this fall? Check out our leave your leaves resources!
Leave Your Leaves
Youth Native Pollinator Activities
You can see dozens of native pollinator species right in your own backyard. Check out what we found on safari on the Wilma Dykeman Greenway! Ready to look for native pollinators in your own backyard? And don’t forget to check out our Shadow Spy activity!
