Oregon's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts, are home to a remarkable array of native plants. These native flora play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, especially when it comes to pollinators. Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, are essential for the reproduction of many plant species, as well as for producing the fruits and seeds that sustain various wildlife. To create a pollinator-friendly environment, it is vital to choose the right native plants that provide nectar, pollen, and shelter. Let's discuss the top five native plants in Oregon that are best for attracting and providing resources to pollinators, as well as the beneficial insects they invite into your garden.

Recommended Native Plants for Oregon Pollinators

1. Salvia spp. (Sage):

   • Appearance: Sage plants are characterized by their aromatic, gray-green leaves and tall spikes of tubular flowers. The color of the flowers can vary from blue and purple to pink and red, depending on the species and cultivar.
   • Special Characteristics: Sage is not only a magnet for pollinators but also a drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plant. Its aromatic foliage is often used in culinary dishes and herbal remedies.
   • Best Regions: Sage thrives in Oregon's dry, sunny regions, such as the high desert and eastern parts of the state. It's well-suited for areas with well-drained soils and ample sunlight.

2. Penstemon spp. (Penstemon):

   • Appearance: Penstemon, or beardtongue, boasts slender stems adorned with striking, tubular flowers in various colors, including shades of pink, purple, and red. The leaves are typically lance-shaped and green.
   • Special Characteristics: Penstemons are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for water-conscious gardening. They are also known for attracting hummingbirds and a variety of native bees.
   • Best Regions: Penstemons thrive in many parts of Oregon, particularly in the western, central, and eastern regions. They are adaptable and can grow in diverse soil types and conditions.

3. Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower):

   • Appearance: Purple Coneflower is a perennial with sturdy stems and distinctive daisy-like flowers. The petals are a vibrant purple-pink, and the central cone is spiky and brown.
   • Special Characteristics: In addition to its appeal to pollinators, Purple Coneflower is renowned for its medicinal properties, supporting immune health. It's a robust and long-lasting garden perennial.
   • Best Regions: Purple Coneflower thrives in various parts of Oregon, especially in the western valleys and the eastern plateau. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

4. Asclepias spp. (Milkweed):

   • Appearance: Milkweed plants have simple, opposite leaves and produce clusters of unique, star-shaped flowers. These flowers come in various shades, including pink, orange, and white.
   • Special Characteristics: Milkweed serves as the primary host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, making it crucial for monarch conservation. It also offers nectar for a range of pollinators.
   • Best Regions: Native milkweeds like Showy Milkweed and Narrowleaf Milkweed are well-suited to Oregon's western valleys and eastern regions. They prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil.

5. Lupinus spp. (Lupine):

   • Appearance: Lupines are known for their tall, erect spikes of pea-like flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. The leaves are palmately compound and typically have a silvery sheen.
   • Special Characteristics: Lupines are nitrogen-fixing plants that enhance soil fertility. They are also a favorite of bumblebees, hummingbirds, and certain butterfly species.
   • Best Regions: Lupines are found throughout Oregon, thriving in both coastal and mountainous regions. They prefer well-drained soils and are well-suited to areas with cool, moist climates.

Beneficial Pollinators of the Pacific Northwest

By planting these recommended native plants in your garden, you'll not only attract pollinators but also foster a healthy ecosystem that benefits a variety of beneficial insects.

1. Native Bees:

   • Appearance: Native bees encompass a diverse group of species, ranging in size, color, and appearance. Bumblebees are robust and fuzzy, while mason bees are smaller and often metallic blue or green. Leafcutter bees are named for their habit of cutting circular sections of leaves.
   • Garden Benefits: Native bees are essential pollinators. They collect nectar and pollen from flowers, facilitating the reproduction of plants. Their pollination services result in increased yields for fruits, vegetables, and other flowering plants.
   • Attracted to: Native bees are drawn to a wide range of native plants, including Sage, Penstemon, Echinacea, and Lupine, which provide them with nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.

2. Butterflies:

   • Appearance: Butterflies are known for their colorful wings, intricate patterns, and slender bodies. Monarchs, for example, have striking orange and black wings, while swallowtails exhibit a combination of yellow, black, and blue markings.
   • Garden Benefits: Butterflies are important pollinators, helping plants produce seeds and fruits. They also serve as indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, they enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
   • Attracted to: Monarch butterflies rely on Milkweed as a host plant for their caterpillars. Other butterfly species are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers of various native plants, including Sage, Penstemon, Echinacea, and Lupine.

3. Hummingbirds:

   • Appearance: Hummingbirds are tiny, iridescent birds with vibrant plumage. Depending on the species, they may have green, red, or purple feathers. Their long, slender bills are adapted for sipping nectar.
   • Garden Benefits: Hummingbirds are efficient pollinators, transferring pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar. Their presence adds a dynamic and colorful element to the garden.
   • Attracted to: Sage, Penstemon, and Lupine are particularly attractive to hummingbirds due to their tubular blossoms filled with nectar. These plants provide a reliable food source for these agile birds.

4. Ladybugs (Lady Beetles):

   • Appearance: Ladybugs are small, round beetles with distinctive red or orange wings adorned with black spots. Some species may have different colors and patterns.
   • Garden Benefits: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, and other garden pests. They help control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
   • Attracted to: Ladybugs are generalists and are attracted to gardens with diverse insect populations. They may be found on various native plants, including Sage and Penstemon, which provide shelter and nectar when aphid populations are low.

5. Predatory Wasps:

   • Appearance: Predatory wasps come in various shapes and sizes. Many have slender, elongated bodies, and some may have striking colorations.
   • Garden Benefits: Predatory wasps are natural enemies of many garden pests, including caterpillars, aphids, and flies. They help control insect populations by parasitizing or preying on these pests.
   • Attracted to: Predatory wasps are drawn to gardens with a consistent supply of nectar and pollen. Native plants like Penstemon and Echinacea provide these resources, making your garden an attractive habitat.

6. Hoverflies:

   • Appearance: Hoverflies resemble small bees or wasps but have distinctive hover and flight patterns. They often have yellow and black stripes.
   • Garden Benefits: Hoverflies are pollinators and natural predators of aphids. They play a dual role by both pollinating flowers and helping to control aphid infestations.
   • Attracted to: Hoverflies are drawn to native plants like Sage and Lupine, which offer nectar and pollen as food sources.

7. Praying Mantises:

   • Appearance: Praying mantises are elongated insects with triangular heads and long, grasping forelimbs. They often come in shades of green or brown, camouflaging them in garden vegetation.
   • Garden Benefits: Praying mantises are voracious predators, consuming a variety of insects, including grasshoppers, moths, and flies. They help maintain a balanced ecosystem by controlling pest populations.
   • Attracted to: Praying mantises are not specifically attracted to particular native plants but are more likely to be present in gardens with a diverse insect population.

8. Ground Beetles:

   • Appearance: Ground beetles are elongated, flattened beetles with prominent mandibles for capturing prey. They come in various sizes and colors.
   • Garden Benefits: Ground beetles are nocturnal predators that feed on slugs, snails, caterpillars, and other garden pests. They contribute to pest control, particularly during the evening hours.
   • Attracted to: Ground beetles can be found in gardens with a variety of native plants, including Lupine and Echinacea, which offer shelter and potential prey for these beetles.

Conclusion

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden in Oregon is a rewarding endeavor that not only adds beauty to your landscape but also contributes to the health of local ecosystems. The top five native plants discussed in this essay – Sage, Penstemon, Echinacea, Milkweed, and Lupine – provide essential resources for pollinators while inviting a host of beneficial insects into your garden. By choosing these plants and nurturing them in your outdoor space, you play a vital role in preserving Oregon's rich biodiversity and ensuring a thriving environment for generations to come.

Also see our companion guide for Gardening with Native Plants.

For more information on where to purchase these plants, see our collection of native wildflower seeds.