The Rise of Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: 26 Plants to Support Your Local Ecosystem

Chuvic - June 25, 2025
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The Rise of Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: 26 Plants to Support Your Local Ecosystem

Pollinators—like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—are vital for ecosystem health and global food production. Yet, habitat loss and pesticides threaten their survival, putting entire food webs at risk.
In response, a growing number of gardeners are transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant pollinator havens.
By choosing specific plants, you can help restore habitats, support biodiversity, and create beautiful landscapes teeming with life.
Below, we highlight 26 pollinator-friendly plants to help you make a real difference in your local environment.

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1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

purple and white flower in macro photography
Source: Photo by Lasclay on Unsplash

Milkweed is a lifeline for monarch butterflies, providing the only food source for their caterpillars.
Its vibrant clusters of pink, orange, or white blooms also attract bees and a variety of other pollinators.
By planting milkweed, you support the monarch’s entire lifecycle and contribute to reversing population declines.
For more information on supporting monarchs, visit the Xerces Society.

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2. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

2. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
A busy bee gathers nectar atop a vibrant purple coneflower in the heart of a lush coneflower garden. | Photo by Jim Fawns on Pexels

Coneflowers are prized for their long-lasting, nectar-rich blooms that draw bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds from summer into fall.
These hardy perennials thrive in a range of conditions, including drought, making them an easy addition to most gardens.
Purple coneflower stands out as a North American favorite, adding vibrant color while supporting pollinators.
For more growing tips, check the USDA Plant Guide.

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3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

lavender flower field blooms at daytime
Source: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Lavender’s fragrant purple spikes are irresistible to bees and butterflies, making it a top choice for pollinator gardens.
Its robust, drought-tolerant nature ensures it thrives in sunny spots, while its aromatic foliage helps repel unwelcome pests.
Beyond its beauty, lavender adds a calming scent and practical value to any landscape.
Learn more about cultivating lavender from the Royal Horticultural Society.

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4. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

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Source: Photo by Melissa Burovac on Unsplash

Bee balm bursts into life with spiky, colorful blooms that lure hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to your garden.
This hardy native thrives in sunny spots and brings a splash of red, pink, or purple to summer landscapes.
The aromatic leaves can be used to make soothing teas, adding another layer of usefulness.
For more on growing bee balm, visit the National Wildlife Federation.

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5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A busy bee lands on a vibrant black-eyed Susan, surrounded by a lively wildflower meadow in full bloom. | Photo by Owen.outdoors on Pexels

Black-eyed Susans are instantly recognizable for their sunny yellow petals and dark centers, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
These resilient, low-maintenance plants thrive in wildflower meadows or mixed borders.
Once the bright blooms fade, their seed heads provide food for birds, supporting local wildlife year-round.
Discover more about black-eyed Susans at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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6. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

A close up of a yellow flower in a field
Source: Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

Goldenrod is a vital late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies, keeping pollinators active well into the fall.
Its golden plumes add a burst of color when many other flowers are fading.
Despite its reputation, goldenrod is not responsible for hay fever; ragweed is the real culprit.
To learn more about goldenrod’s benefits, visit the University of Illinois Extension.

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7. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

7. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
A vibrant sunflower field stretches under blue skies as a busy bee collects pollen atop golden petals and ripening seeds. | Photo by Gus Pacheco on Pexels

Sunflowers are more than just bold garden statements—their wide, open blooms offer abundant nectar and pollen, making them favorites among bees and butterflies.
As the season ends, sunflowers’ heavy seed heads become a feast for local birds.
Their cheerful, towering presence can brighten borders and wildflower patches alike.
To explore more about sunflowers, check out the National Sunflower Association.

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8. Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

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A vibrant butterfly delicately rests on a liatris, surrounded by a cluster of vivid purple wildflowers. | Photo by flickr.com

Blazing star stands out with tall, vibrant spikes of purple blooms that are magnets for butterflies, especially monarchs and swallowtails.
This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and adds vertical interest to pollinator gardens.
Its long-lasting flowers also attract bees and make excellent cut arrangements.
For additional growing advice, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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9. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

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A busy bee gathers nectar from vibrant wild bergamot blooms, nestled among a patch of native monarda wildflowers. | Photo by flickr.com

Wild bergamot dazzles with clusters of lavender flowers that draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer.
This hardy, native perennial is prized for its aromatic, minty foliage, which adds sensory appeal to any garden.
Wild bergamot thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and contributes both beauty and biodiversity.
Learn more about wild bergamot from the US Forest Service.

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10. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

10. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
A vibrant butterfly rests delicately on a zinnia blossom, surrounded by a lively mix of colorful annual flowers. | Photo by Vind 🌙 on Pexels

Zinnias are beloved for their bright, cheerful blooms that flower continuously from summer to frost, creating a nonstop banquet for butterflies and bees.
These annuals are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them perfect for gardening newcomers.
With a rainbow of colors and various sizes, zinnias add instant vibrancy to beds and borders.
Discover more about zinnias at the National Garden Bureau.

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11. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

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A delicate butterfly rests atop the tall, pink blooms of native Joe-Pye weed, savoring the summer nectar. | Photo by flickr.com

Joe-Pye weed features tall stalks topped with mauve-pink flower clusters that are irresistible to monarchs, swallowtails, and native bees.
This robust perennial thrives in moist, sunny locations and brings impressive height and texture to pollinator gardens.
It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens or naturalized borders.
For regional planting tips, explore the Xerces Society.

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12. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Purple salvia flowers close up
A vibrant hummingbird and a busy bee share a cluster of blooming salvia flowers in a sunlit garden. | Photo by publicdomainpictures.net

Salvia’s vivid tubular flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, offering a rich nectar source throughout the growing season.
Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, salvias can thrive in diverse climates and garden styles.
Their aromatic foliage adds another layer of sensory interest to borders and containers.
For comprehensive growing advice, visit the Royal Horticultural Society.

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13. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

13. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
A delicate butterfly rests atop vibrant aster flowers, celebrating the beauty of fall-blooming plants in the garden. | Photo by Irina Iriser on Pexels

Asters come alive in late summer and fall, offering essential nectar when many other blooms have faded.
Their star-shaped, daisy-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a critical part of the late-season garden.
Asters are available in a variety of colors, easily brightening up borders and meadows.
For a wide selection of aster species, visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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14. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

white flowers in tilt shift lens
Source: Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Yarrow features flat-topped clusters of tiny blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects, fostering a balanced garden ecosystem.
This hardy perennial is both drought-tolerant and adaptable to a range of soils, making it an effortless addition to any landscape.
Its feathery foliage adds texture and charm to borders and wildflower mixes.
For detailed growing advice, refer to the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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15. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Blue borage flowers blooming in the field.
Source: Photo by pxslc on Unsplash

Borage boasts vivid, star-shaped blue flowers that draw bees and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
This annual herb is valued for its edible blooms and leaves, which can add a cucumber-like flavor to salads and drinks.
Borage self-seeds easily, ensuring it returns to your garden year after year with minimal effort.
For more about borage’s uses and care, visit the Royal Horticultural Society.

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16. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

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A busy bee gathers nectar from vibrant blue catmint flowers, adding life and movement to the garden scene. | Photo by flickr.com on Unsplash

Catmint features aromatic, gray-green foliage and spiky clusters of blue or lavender flowers that are beloved by bees and butterflies.
This hardy perennial is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a smart, low-maintenance addition to borders and pathways.
Catmint’s long blooming period ensures sustained pollinator activity all season.
Find more growing tips from the Royal Horticultural Society.

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17. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Penstemon wilcoxii bee
A vibrant hummingbird hovers delicately over purple penstemon wildflowers, sipping nectar among the lush summer blooms. | Photo by montanaflora.blogspot.com

Penstemons are known for their striking, tubular blossoms that come in shades of red, purple, pink, and white.
These flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees, providing an important nectar source.
Penstemons perform best in well-drained soils and add elegant vertical accents to garden beds.
For more information on penstemons and their role in the landscape, visit the USDA Forest Service.

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18. Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

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A busy bee gathers nectar from vibrant blue phacelia flowers, a favorite pollinator plant in full bloom. | Photo by flickr.com

Phacelia stands out with delicate blue-violet blooms that provide abundant nectar for bees, particularly in early spring when few other flowers are available.
Beyond its pollinator appeal, phacelia is commonly used as a cover crop to enhance soil health and suppress weeds.
Its feathery foliage and continuous flowering make it a versatile addition to pollinator patches.
For further details, see the Xerces Society.

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19. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

19. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
A busy bee collects nectar from vibrant orange marigold flowers, adding life to a sunlit garden scene. | Photo by Ella Wei on Pexels

Marigolds bring vivid orange and yellow blooms that attract bees and butterflies while naturally deterring pests such as aphids and nematodes.
These annuals are easy to grow, making them a cheerful addition to borders, vegetable patches, or containers.
Marigolds also support other beneficial insects, helping to balance the garden ecosystem.
For advice on growing marigolds, visit the Royal Horticultural Society.

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20. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)

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A busy bee hovers over vibrant purple lupine flowers, gathering nectar among a sea of wild blooms. | Photo by pixabay.com

Lupines display striking spires of blue, purple, or pink flowers that beckon bumblebees and butterflies throughout spring and early summer.
These perennials not only support pollinators but also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, which benefits nearby plants in mixed beds or meadows.
Lupines add texture and color to native plantings and cottage gardens.
For more information, visit the USDA Forest Service.

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21. Verbena (Verbena spp.)

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A vibrant butterfly rests gracefully on clusters of purple verbena flowers, surrounded by lush annual blooms in full color. | Photo by flickr.com

Verbena produces clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and butterflies from spring through fall.
This versatile plant is perfect for borders, rock gardens, or spilling over the edges of hanging baskets and containers.
Verbena’s continuous bloom and vibrant colors provide lasting beauty and vital resources for pollinators.
Learn more about the versatility of verbena at the National Garden Bureau.

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22. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

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A busy bee collects nectar from bright yellow coreopsis wildflowers, bringing life to a field of golden tickseed. | Photo by flickr.com

Coreopsis, often called tickseed, features bright yellow daisy-like flowers that are irresistible to bees and butterflies.
This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and blooms prolifically for months, providing a long-lasting nectar source.
Coreopsis is well-suited for wildflower gardens, borders, and low-maintenance landscapes.
For more information on varieties and growing conditions, explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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23. Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana)

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A busy bee lands on delicate cleome blooms, their tall, spidery flowers standing vibrant in the summer sun. | Photo by flickr.com

Spider flower captivates with tall, airy clusters of pink, white, or purple blooms that entice bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Its striking, spidery appearance brings height and drama to garden beds and borders, making it a favorite for creating visual interest.
Spider flower is easy to grow from seed and thrives in full sun.
For more details on this unique annual, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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24. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)

24. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
A busy bee collects nectar from a vibrant gaillardia, surrounded by red and yellow blanket wildflowers in bloom. | Photo by Deniz ŞENGÜL on Pexels

Blanket flower lights up gardens with daisy-like blooms in bold shades of red, orange, and yellow that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
This resilient perennial thrives in poor soils and withstands drought, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Blanket flower’s long blooming season provides extended color and pollinator support.
Explore more about Gaillardia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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25. Clover (Trifolium spp.)

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A busy bee gathers nectar from delicate clover flowers in a lush field of blooming white clover. | Photo by flickr.com

Clover’s tiny, nectar-rich blooms are adored by honeybees, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects.
Both white and red clover varieties are commonly used in lawns, meadows, and cover crops for their ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil health.
Clover provides continuous forage for pollinators while enriching the garden ecosystem.
For more details on clover’s benefits, see the USDA NRCS.

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26. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

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A busy bee collects nectar from delicate rosemary flowers in full bloom, nestled within a lush herb garden. | Photo by astrotrends.com.br

Rosemary’s delicate blue flowers appear early in spring, offering vital nectar for bees when few other blooms are present.
This evergreen herb is not only a pollinator favorite but also a flavorful addition to the kitchen.
Rosemary thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and brings fragrance and structure to garden beds.
For growing tips and more, consult the Royal Horticultural Society.

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Conclusion

Conclusion
A vibrant garden brimming with blooms attracts both a busy bee and a delicate butterfly to its pollinator haven. | Photo by Roman Biernacki on Pexels

Cultivating a garden filled with diverse, pollinator-friendly plants is a simple yet powerful way to support local ecosystems and foster biodiversity.
By choosing any combination of the 26 plants listed above, you help create vital habitats for bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial species.
Each bloom you nurture makes a difference, sustaining pollinators that our food webs depend on.
Start planting today—your garden can be a thriving sanctuary, making your community and the environment healthier for generations to come.

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