Welcome to The Buzz, your go-to pollinator conservation podcast! I'm April Johnson, the NDSU Extension Pollinator Technician, and in today's episode, we'll explore some of my top choices for native plants in the pollinator garden.

This podcast is supported in part by the USDA, NIFA Crop Protection and Pest Management - Extension Implementation Program, award number 2021-70006-35330. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA. 

The northern plains present a formidable environment for gardening, with harsh winters, fleeting summers, and unpredictable weather patterns. Yet, amidst these challenges, prairie perennials have adapted to withstand the rigors of this unforgiving terrain and paint the landscape with a vivid array of hues and textures throughout the seasons. 

But prairie perennials offer more than just aesthetic beauty. Their deep roots anchor the soil, preventing erosion and enhancing water retention a crucial function in arid landscapes. They offer shelter and habitat for countless insects, mammals, and birds. Moreover, their vibrant blooms provide a vital source of nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By cultivating these native species in our gardens we contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

In our quest to build pollinator-supporting gardens, it's essential to choose plants that not only thrive in this harsh climate, but also provide valuable resources for our buzzing friends. Here are my top picks for your pollinator garden in the northern plains:

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Purple coneflower is known for its striking purple  daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped centers. The flowers sit atop sturdy stems and can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Purple coneflower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil but can tolerate clay soils. Purple coneflower typically blooms from early to late summer, with the peak bloom occurring in midsummer. 

2. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot produces clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or lavender. The tubular shape of the flowers is well-suited to the long tongues of hummingbirds and certain butterfly species, making bee balm an important source of food for these pollinators. The flowers are surrounded by aromatic foliage with serrated edges, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal. Bee balm thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. 

3. New-england Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve): Asters bloom late in the season, providing a crucial nectar source for pollinators in the fall, which helps to support their populations as they prepare for winter or migration. Asters serve butterflies and bees, with dainty flowers in various shades of blue, purple, or pink.

4. Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya): Also known as Prairie Gayfeather or Button Snakeroot, this plant features tall, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 4 to 5 feet (about 1.2 to 1.5 meters). At the top of these stems are dense spikes of fluffy, purple flowers that resemble bottlebrushes.It thrives in well-drained soils and is often seen growing in sunny to partially shaded areas.

5. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): These plants are known for their tall, erect stems adorned with clusters of bright yellow flowers. Contrary to popular misconception, Goldenrod is not a major cause of hay fever. The pollen of Goldenrod is too heavy and sticky to be carried by the wind, unlike the lightweight, airborne pollen of ragweed, which blooms around the same time. Goldenrods are adaptable plants that can thrive in a range of soil types, from dry sandy soils to moist, well-drained loams.

6. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Milkweed plants typically feature clusters of small, intricate flowers often characterized by their five petals and crown-like structure. Milkweed species vary in size and appearance, but many have tall, slender stems with broad leaves. They are often well-adapted to sunny, open environments and can tolerate a range of soil types. Ecological Importance: Milkweed plants play a crucial role in supporting pollinator populations, particularly monarch butterflies. In recent years, milkweed populations have declined due to factors such as habitat loss, herbicide use, and climate change. This decline has had significant impacts on monarch butterfly populations, as milkweed is the sole host plant for monarch larvae. Efforts to conserve and restore milkweed habitat are critical for supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

7. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black-eyed Susan plants are characterized by their bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown or black center. The foliage is typically coarse and hairy, with lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stems. Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade and are adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.The flowers are long-lasting, readily self-seed, make excellent cut flowers, and attract a variety of pollinators to the garden. 

8. Sedum: Sedums are typically low-growing, mat-forming plants with fleshy, succulent leaves that store water, enabling them to thrive in dry conditions. Flower colors can range from white and pink to yellow, orange, and red, depending on the species and cultivar. These plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate some shade and drought conditions once established. Sedums are deer-resistant and generally pest-free, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking to attract pollinators and wildlife to their yards.

9. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum): In late spring to early summer, Prairie Smoke produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are initially pinkish-purple but gradually turn into fluffy, feathery seed heads as they mature. These unique seedheads resemble plumes of smoke rising above the foliage, giving the plant its distinctive name. Prairie Smoke thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun to partial shade. Prairie Smoke is an early-season bloomer, providing important resources for pollinators when other flowering plants may be scarce.

10. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): As a native perennial grass, little bluestem provides habitat and shelter for pollinators during the night and overwinter. The grass blades are narrow and bluish-green in color in the spring and summer, but in the fall, Little Bluestem often takes on shades of red, purple, or bronze. Little Bluestem thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.

When selecting plants for pollinators, consider the specific conditions of your garden, such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels. Planting a diverse array of native species that bloom throughout the growing season ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen for pollinators. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you'll not only add beauty but also provide essential resources for pollinators, contributing to their conservation in the northern plains.

As we draw this episode to a close, I hope you feel inspired to embark on your own journey of pollinator conservation by incorporating native plants into your garden. Remember, every flower you plant is a beacon of hope for our buzzing friends, contributing to the preservation of vital ecosystems in the northern plains and beyond. 

Be sure to subscribe to The Buzz for future episodes, and follow us on Facebook at NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation. Until next time, let your passion for pollinator conservation continue to buzz and bloom, one plant at a time. Thanks for listening.