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Who are pollinators and what do they do?
Who are pollinators and what do they do?
Pollinators are all of the animals that carry pollen on their bodies from plant to plant. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and some small mammals are all considered pollinators. Pollen holds vital genetic material that allows flowering plants to reproduce. Over 75% of all flowering plants rely on pollinators. These important creatures sustain our ecosystems all over the globe and without them we would not have fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, fibers and raw materials.
What can I plant to help pollinators?
What can I plant to help pollinators?
Pollinator gardens should be filled with nectar and pollen rich flowers. When selecting plants for your pollinator garden remember that diversity is important. Every pollinator gets the job done a little differently so planting a variety of flowers ensures that every critter can do their part. It's also important to choose native plants that will successfully grow in your area. Plants that are non native can look pretty but if you don't do your research they may become invasive, take over your garden and create an imbalance in your garden's ecosystem. We will recommend a collection of native wildflowers as well as some non invasive plants for North Texas. You can also add hummingbird and butterfly feeders to add an extra source of nutrients. Flowers that bloom at night can also help nocturnal pollinators like bats.
Our Favorite Texas Native Wildflowers
Our Favorite Texas Native Wildflowers
Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) Indian Paintbrush (Orobanchaceae), Coneflower (Echinacea), Antelope horns (Asclepias asperula), Blazing Star (Liatris), Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera), Milkweed (Asclepias sp.), Wild Sunflowers (Helianthus), Red Turk's Cap (Drummondii), and Texas Lantana (Lantana)
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Lessons
TxDOT Pollinator and Wildflower Lessons and Activities
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Making Seed Balls Lesson
Take Care of Texas - Being Wild(flowers) in Texas
Take Care of Texas - Making Seed Balls
Hands-on Pollinator Activities for Preschoolers
Smithsonian Gardens - Pollination Investigation
OutTeach - This Earth Day, Let Curiosity Take Root
Native Plants
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Native Plants Database
Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center - Drought Resistant Plants for Texas and Beyond
Native Plant Society of Texas - Plant Lists by Region
Native Plant Society of Texas - Native Plant Database
Native Texas Trees and Their Natural Water Needs
Homegrown National Park - Native Plants Finder
Texas Parks and Wildlife - Child Friendly Native Plants of Texas
Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists
Plants for Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens
Bring more birds to your home with native plants
Dallas Zoo - Plant & Pollinator Gardening Guide
Monarch Watch's Milkweed Market
Pollinator Gardens
Create a Place for Pollinators
National Park Service - Pollinators: Helping Your Backyard
How to Create a Native Plant Garden
How to build a pollinator garden
Creating a Pollinator Paradise
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) Pollination Investigation
Highlighting the importance of pollinators
TPWD - Management Recommendations for Native Insect Pollinators in Texas
NWF Blog - Pollinator Week: Birds, Bees, & Everything in Between
Butterflies
National Wildlife Federation: Butterfly Heroes
Live Monarch Education Foundation
7 Ways to Attract Caterpillars to Your Garden
Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants
Native Plants for Monarchs (nectar) in North Central Texas
Bees
How gardeners can help an endangered bumblebee
These Pollinators are Un-Bee-Lievably Important
Birds
Bring more birds to your home with native plants
Native plants help support birds throughout the year
Food and Feeder Preferences of Common Feeder Birds
Make Upcycled Bird Feeders + Backyard Bird Watching Tips
14 Bird Feeder Projects Using Natural and Recycled Materials
Help Feed the Birds With a DIY Wreath
DIY: Make a Pot, Plant Seeds, Grow Bird Food
HAZLO TÚ MISMO: Una Maceta, Plantar Semillas, Sembrar Comida Para Aves
TPWD - So You Want a Hummingbird Garden
How to Make Hummingbird Nectar
How to Help Birds Beat the Heat
Amphibians and Reptiles
Sharing Spaces: Make Your Home a Healthy Home for Amphibians and Reptiles
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