Click/tap on the arrows on the list below to learn more about the plants in the Peterborough Public Library gardens.
*planted by library staff in 2021
**planted by Peterborough Master Gardeners in 2022
***planted by Mother Nature
Those marked with N are native to Peterborough County
Those marked with P are Native Powerhouse Plants. A powerhouse herbaceous plant supports at least 15 Lepidopteran species.

Achillea borealis (Boreal Yarrow)*

• Description: Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) is a complex of several native and introduced species, including Achillea borealis. Its height ranges between 30-90 cm. The flower heads are usually white but can also be yellowish-white or pink. The leaves have a delicate, fern-like appearance. Blooms from mid to late summer.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: This plant attracts a wide range of insects. Some common bees attracted to this plant include Lasioglossum (Small Sweat Bees), Ceratina (Small Carpenter Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Andrena (Mining Bees), and Nomada (Cuckoo Bees).

Agastache nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop)**

• Description: Agastache nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop) is a valuable plant for butterflies and bees searching for nectar late in the season. It ranges in height between 30-150 cm. Its yellow and green flowers bloom mid to late summer. It is a flexible addition to gardens of variable environmental conditions. Sparrows, Juncos, Goldfinches, and other birds eat the seeds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: This plant attracts a range of insects such as Bombus (Bumblebees), Halictid bees, Syrphid flies, Bombyliidae (Bee Flies), and butterflies.

Allium cernuum (Nodding Wild Onion)* P

• Description: This plants native range in Ontario is mainly restricted to Essex County. Growing between 30-60 cm, this clump forming perennial has a pink nodding inflorescence that blooms in mid-summer. This influential species offers both pollen and nectar and attracts a wide range of bees.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: A host plant for Theclinae (Hairstreak Butterflies); common bees attracted include Bombus (Bumblebees), Heriades (Small Resin Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Colletes (Cellophane Bees), and Lasioglossum (Small Sweat Bees).

Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting)**N

• Description: Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting) is a highly adaptable plant that can thrive in harsh, dry, poor soils. It grows to approximately 90 cm in height. Its long lasting white and yellow flowers bloom from early summer to fall. A must have plant for butterfly gardeners.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host plant for Vanessa virginiensis (American Lady Butterfly) and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady Butterfly).

Andropogon gerradii (Big Bluestem)**N

• Description: Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) is a tall, bunching prairie grass that favours moist soils but will become drought tolerant as it is deep-rooted. It ranges in height between 1-2.5 m. The green and blueish foliage eventually takes on a reddish-brown colour in the winter, making for a striking off-season appearance.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Many species of Hesperiidae Skippers feed on the leaves as caterpillars. In winter, Bumblebee queens nest at the plant’s base.

Anemonastrum canadense (Canada Anemone)***N

• Description: These plants in the library garden were not deliberately planted but are still a welcome addition. The white flowers bloom from late spring to early summer; they do not contain nectar but have valuable pollen. This ground cover (30-60 cm) can be a spreader and may need some monitoring to ensure it doesn’t crowd out others. It performs best in partial shade and moist conditions.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Common bees attracted include Andrena (Mining Bees), Hylaeus (Yellow-Faced Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Agapostemon (Metallic Green Sweat Bees), and Lasioglossum (Small Sweat Bees).

Apios americana (Common Groundnut)*N

• Description: This vigorous vine also known as Groundnut or Wild Potato has a pink or red inflorescence that blooms during mid to late summer. The scented flowers are attractive to butterflies. It requires some space as its stems can reach up to 5 m in length (it may twine around other plants).


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: The flowers provide nectar and pollen to Bombus (Bumblebees), Megachile (Leaf-Cutting Bees), Halictid (Sweat Bees), and Vespula Yellow Jackets. It is also the larval host plant of the Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper).

Aquilegia canadensis (Red Columbine)**N

• Description: Aquilegia canadensis (Red Columbine) performs best in moist, well-drained, infertile alkaline soil but has a high drought tolerance. Its nodding red and yellow tubular-shaped flowers are early bloomers—from spring to mid summer.
  
  Growing this plant in proximity to other Aquilegia species may result in cross-pollination.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host for Erynnis lucilius (Columbine Duskywing). The nectar-rich tubular flowers attract Bombus (Bumblebees), Halictus (Sweat Bees), and hummingbirds. Bumblebees also collect pollen from the plant for their larvae.

Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)***N

• Description: Up to 1 m in height, this milkweed is adaptable to a range of conditions; its scented pink flowers bloom in mid summer. Due to its spreading nature–both through its rhizomatous roots and its seeds, this milkweed is better suited to larger spaces. If space is a concern, consider Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) and Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) instead.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: A larval host for Danaus plexippes (Monarch), Euchaetes egle (Milkweed Tussock Moth), and Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia). The floral nectar attracts a number of bees such as Bombus (Bumblebees), Halictus (Sweat Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Coelioxys (Cuckoo Bees); also wasps, flies, butterflies, and Sphingidae (Sphinx) moths.

Asclepius tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)**N

• Description: This milkweed is suitable for sandier or well-drained sites. It reaches a height of between 30-60 cm with an orange inflorescence that blooms in mid-summer. Similarly to other milkweed species, it only offers nectar to visiting insects.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Augochlorella (Metallic Green Sweat Bees), Heriades (Small Resin Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Ceratina (Small Carpenter Bees), Coelioxys (Cuckoo Bees), and Lasioglossum (Small Sweat Bees). Butterflies that are attracted to this plant include Fritillaries (Speyeria spp.), Swallowtails (Papilio spp.), and the Monarch (Danaus plexippus).

Astragalus canadensis (Canada Milkvetch)**N

• Description: This adaptable branching perennial grows between 30-100 cm in height with greenish-yellow keeled flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The heavy stems can be prone to flopping and may require support. As a member of the Fabaceae (Legume) family, it is a nitrogen-fixer–able to adapt to poor soils.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host for Cupido comyntas (Eastern Tailed-Blue), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), Colias philodice (Clouded Skipper), Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Silvery Blue), Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing); the keel-shaped flowers are shaped such that only strong long-tongued bees such as Bombus (Bumblebee) and Megachile (Leafcutter Bee) are able to access the pollen and nectar.

Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)**N

• Description: This small, adaptable, drought-tolerant nitrogen-fixing shrub grows up to 1 m in height; its white panicle flowers bloom early to mid-summer. The flowers reward a wide range of bees and other insects nectar and/or pollen. A perfect shrub for a small garden.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host for Celastrina neglecta (Summer Azure). The plant’s pollen and nectar attract Agapostemon and Augochlorella (Metallic Green Sweat Bees), Bombus (Bumblebees), Halictus (Sweat Bees), Heriades (Small Resin Bees), Lasioglossum (Small Sweat Bees) are attracted to this plant’s pollen and nectar; also supports the pollen specialist bee Pseudopanurgus pauper (a type of Mining Bee).

Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)*N

• Description: The common name for this plant comes from its pink and white tubular-lipped flowers. It ranges in height from 30-90 cm and blooms in late summer to fall. The plants in the library garden are in a shadier, more moist spot. A good addition for rain gardens.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host for Euphydryas phaeton (Baltimore Checkerspot). Pollen and nectar are accessible by larger, stronger bees such as Bombus (Bumblebees), Melissodes (Long-Horned Bees), and Hylaeus (Yellow-Faced Bees). Attracts hummingbirds.

Diervilla lonicera (Northern Bush Honeysuckle)**N

• Description: A small, mounding shrub that grows to about 1 m tall and wide. The flowers are understated but the fall foliage is beautiful–copper and orange. It may have a tendency to spread or sucker. A good choice for dry shade or other tough sites. It performs best in dry, rocky, acidic soil.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Part Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type:Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Bombus (Bumblebees); Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing); Callizzia amorata (Gray Scoopwing)

Drymocallis arguta (Tall Wood Beauty)*N

• Description: Also known as Tall Cinquefoil, this plant ranges in height between 30-90 cm. Like other cinquefoils, it has hairy pinnate leaves and yellow to cream-coloured flowers. The flowers are quite showy and the bloom period runs in the summer. It is tolerant to salt; requires well-drained soil.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Halictid bees and Syrphid flies are attracted to the plant’s nectar and pollen.

Eurybia divaricata (White Wood Aster)* P

• Description: Classified as threatened in Ontario due to pressures such as habitat loss and invasive species, this species is an inhabitant of dry, open woodlands. Growing between 45-75 cm in height; the inflorescence is composed of white ray and yellow disk flowers that blooms from late summer to early fall. Is able to reproduce via seed as well as by underground rhizomes.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Part Shade; Full Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: All but dense clay; requires well-drained soil


• Pollinator Associations: Flowers attract Long-tongued bees (e.g. Bumblebees), Short-tongued bees, wasps, butterflies, skippers, and flies. Host plant for Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent) and Euphydryas (Checkerspot) Butterflies.

Fragaria virginiana (Wild Strawberry)**N P

• Description: A low-lying ground cover that spreads by runners, Wild Strawberry is an important early blooming plant; it also produces small fruits that are enjoyed by wildlife. A good choice for tough sites that are hot and dry.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar and pollen attracts Ceratina sap. (Small Carpenter Bees), Nomada spp. (Cuckoo Bees), Osmia spp. (Mason Bees), Halictid (Green Metallic Bees), Andrenid bees; A range of flies such as Tachinid and Syrphid species; Over 80 Lepidoptera species use Fragaria as a host plant, including Pyrgus centaureae (Grizzled Skipper), and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). It is considered one of the top herbaceous flowering plants for pollinators.

Geranium maculatum (Spotted Geranium)**N P

• Description: A low lying ground cover that features pink flowers. The bloom period is early in the spring. Deadheading the flowers can promote a longer-blooming period. The plant spreads by seed and by rhizomes but is not aggressive.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Bombus Bumblebees, Osmia Mason Bees, Nomada Cuckoo Bees, Synhalonia (Long-horned Bees), Halictid bees, Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), etc. Specialist pollinators include Andrena distans. The flowers also attract Syrphid flies, Empis (Dance Flies), Butterflies, and Skippers.

Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)**

• Description: An early bloomer in spring, Prairie Smoke has nodding pink flowers and hairy foliage. The flowers transform into wispy seed heads. This plant is common to areas with very thin, poor soils such as limestone alvars.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Bombus (Bumblebees) are the primary pollinators that access the plant for nectar as they are strong enough to make their way inside the flowers.

Helianthus strumosus (Pale-Leaved Sunflower)**N P

• Description: A tall sunflower that is adapted to sun and to partial to full shade, Pale-Leaved Sunflower is able to reach up to 2 m in height. Is known to hybridize with other sunflowers such as H. tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke).


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Sunflowers are very attractive to pollinators and they should be included in all pollinator gardens. Long-tongued bees such as Bombus (Bumblebees), Leaf-Cutting Bees, Miner Bees, and Cuckoo Bees; Halictid and Andrenis Short-Tongued Bees, Syrphid flies, Bee Flies, Wasps, Butterflies, and Skippers are also pollinators.

Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower)**N

• Description: An adaptable mid to late summer bloomer that extends to a height of 1.5 m. The cheerful yellow disk flowers attract a wide range of insects for both pollen and nectar. It has a reputation of being a prolific seeder and so this may be a consideration for a smaller garden. Seed heads may be deadheaded to limit spread but this action can limit the plant’s benefit for birds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar is particularly sought out by male Bombus (Bumblebees) and the pollen by female Melissodes (Long-Horned Bees). Other bees this plant attracts include: Agapostemon and Augochlora pura (Metallic Green Sweat Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Ceratina (Small Carpenter Bees), and Coelioxys (Cuckoo Bees).

Liatris cylindracea (Cylindrical Blazing Star)**

• Description: A deciduous wildflower ranging in height between 20-60 cm. It has showy pinky-purple flowers that bloom mid to late summer. It tolerates drought and poor soils; looks great as a single plant or in mass plantings.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand


• Pollinator Associations: Attracts bees and butterflies. The latter include Papilio glaucous (Tiger Swallowtail), Colias eurytheme (Orange Sulphur), Speyeria aphrodite (Aphrodite Fritillary), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral), Cercyonis pegala (Wood Nymph).

Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)*

• Description: A deciduous wildflower that grows from 35 cm to 1.5 m. Taller than Liatris cylindracea (Cynlindrical Blazing Star), this perennial has pink to purple flowers in dense clusters on the spike. The leaves are arranged spirally, and get smaller the higher they are on the stem. When shaded by tall plants, the flower spikes take on “wonky” shapes in their search for the sun. The flowers attract bees and butterflies for nectar and pollen. This plant is listed as threatened in the wild.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist; Drought tolerant
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The floral nectar attracts different butterflies and skippers (including the Monarch Butterfly); pollen is collected by Bombus (Bumblebees), Melissodes spp. (Long-Horned Bees), Megachile spp. (Leaf-Cutting Bees).

Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)**N

• Description: This aromatic perennial grows to about 1.5 m in height; the lavender-coloured tubular flowers bloom from summer to fall; flower heads may be dead-headed for extended blooming. This species can be susceptible to powdery mildew—keeping good air circulation between plants can minimize this. Found in both dry and moist habitats.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, including a sweat bee called Dufourea monardae. It is also favoured by Bombus (Bumble Bees), wasps, hummingbirds, and Hawk moths.

Panicum virgatum (Old Switch Panicgrass)**N

• Description: This plant is a tall grass prairie indicator species. It is found in open pine and oak woodlands and brackish marshes along the maritime coast. Ranging in height from 40-200 cm, this plant is easy to grow and is tolerant of poor soils, flooding, and drought. It has showy purple/pink/green/brown flowers that bloom from July to September. It remains upright during the winter and provides good cover for birds and mammals. The seeds are eaten by many birds, including songbirds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: It is the larval host plant for the Anatrytone Logan (Delaware Skipper).

Physocarpus opulifolius (Eastern Ninebark)**N

• Description: Ninebark is an easy to grow, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that grows 0.9-2.7 m tall. It produces round clusters of white flowers in late spring to early summer that ripen into reddish fruits. The shredding, peeling bark and seed capsules provide winter interest. Bees, flies, wasps and butterflies are attracted to the pollen and nectar. The specialist herbivore, the native ninebark beetle, will not feed on the purple-leafed cultivars due to the altered chemistry of the leaves so avoid these cultivars.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist; drought tolerant
  • Soil Type: Sandy loam to clay loam


• Pollinator Associations: Larval host for a range of moth species including Eulithis molliculata (Dimorphic Eulithis), Olethreutes permundana (Raspberry Leafroller), Lomographa vestaliata (White Spring), Palthis angulalis (Dark-Spotted Palthis), Lomographa semiclarata (Bluish Spring), and Hyalophora cecropia (Cecropia).

Ranunculus rhomboides (Prairie Buttercup)**N

• Description: A diminutive plant that is less than 30 cm in height. The five to eight petaled yellow flowers bloom early and serve as a valuable nectar source for emerging queen bumblebees. A prairie species, it was identified at the southern edge of Peterborough County. It thrives in dry, rocky soil (a good choice for rock gardens). Plants are more easily propagated by division than grown by seed.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand


• Pollinator Associations: An important early flowering plant for emergent queen bumblebees.

Rosa blanda (Smooth Wild Rose)*N

• Description: A rose that is almost entirely thornless. Adaptable to dry, rocky conditions, it grows quickly to a height of about 1.8 m. The delicate pink blossoms that bloom in the summer are attractive to a range of native bees includingBombus (Bumblebees) and the fruit is eaten by birds and other wildlife. It does have a tendency to sucker and so it will need some space.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: A pollen source for both long and short-tongued bees as well as Syrphid flies. Long-tongued bees include Ceratina (Small Carpenter Bees), Bombus (Bumblebees). Short-tongued bees include Halictid (Sweat Bees), Colletid (Polyester Bees), and Andrenid (Mining Bees).

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)**N P

• Description: The brightly coloured composite flowers bloom all summer long; Ranging in height between 30-90 cm, this plant is adaptable to a range of growing conditions. While considered a short-lived perennial, Rudbeckia hirta will reseed easily.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: It is the larval host plant for Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Epithelia Moth). The nectar and pollen is sought by Bombus (Bumblebees), Melissodes (Long-Horned Bees), Agapostemon and Augochlorella (Metallic Green Sweat Bees), Megachile (Leafcutter Bees), Ceratina, and Coelioxys (Cuckoo Bees). The Rudbeckia genera also supports 33 different pollen specialist bees.

Rudbeckia laciniata (Cut-Leaved Coneflower)**N

• Description: A herbaceous perennial growing from 45 cm to 3 m; showy yellow blooms from mid to late summer; has a smooth, hairless stem. The central cone of the flower turns from light green to yellow and is surrounded by downward pointing petals. This plant resembles the Grey-Headed Coneflower but has leaves that are less cut, a darker green, and is a much larger plant. This plant naturalizes well. It can tolerate partial and even full shade and tolerates a variety of soils. Usually found in wet conditions, moist thickets, ditches. Foliage may be poisonous to some mammals. American Goldfinches occasionally eat the seeds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: It attracts butterflies, and bees. This plant is the host for caterpillars of the butterfly Chlorine nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and some moths (Synchlora aerate, Epithelia miserulata).

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)**N

• Description: This clumping grass is a short native grass, only growing to a height of 1 m; in summer it has blue-green foliage; in fall it turns red with white seed heads. It is tolerant of a range of conditions with the exception of wet areas. It re-seeds readily but birds relish the seeds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Provides structure for nesting ground bees; is a larval host for certain butterflies and skippers such as Hesperia sassacus (Indian Skipper), and Hesperia leonardus Leonard’s Skipper.

Silphium lacianatum (Compass Plant)*

• Description: This dramatic and unusual Carolinian plant, ranging in height from 1.8-3 m tall, bears many long-lasting sun-flower like yellow flowers in mid-summer. The blooms are held on thick, white-haired stalks that extend high in the air. Bees visit for pollen and nectar. It has a deep taproot and is difficult to move once established. It may take years to develop but can thrive for decades.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry to moist; Drought tolerant
  • Soil Type: Prefers deep, loamy soil but will tolerate poor soil


• Pollinator Associations: Primary pollinators include long-tongued bees such as Bombus (Bumblebees), Anthophorini (Miner Bees), and Megachile (Large Leaf-Cutting Bees). The plant’s nectar also attracts Coliadinae (Sulfur) and Danaus plexippus (Monarch) butterflies.

Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod)***N P

• Description: Canada Goldenrod is a ubiquitous species. Like other Solidago types, it is a pollinator powerhouse plant. The only trouble is that it spreads through rhizomes and can be aggressive in small gardens. The plants in the library pollinator garden were volunteers. They will have to be monitored so they do not crowd out other plants. It can be grown easily in containers to limit spread.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different insect species, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. Solidago species are considered keystone plants as they serve as host plants for many Lepidoptera species–over 130 different species of caterpillars feed on the plant’s roots, form galls on the stems or feed on the flowers.

Solidago caesia (Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod)*N P

• Description: About 1 m in height, this is one of the less aggressive Goldenrods as it is more clumping in nature. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod features a series of delicate yellow flowers inside the leaf axils and along its stem (similar to another Goldenrod, Solidago flexacaulis). Like other Goldenrods, the bloom period is late summer to fall. Grows best is partial shade to full shade.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different insect species, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. Solidago species are considered keystone plants as they serve as host plants for many Lepidoptera species–over 130 different species of caterpillars feed on the plant’s roots, form galls on the stems or feed on the flowers.

Solidago nemoralis (Grey Goldenrod)*N P

• Description: A short, clumping goldenrod that grows to a height of between 45-90 cm. The nodding panicle inflorescence has a lengthy blooming period–from summer to fall. Not an aggressive grower and so makes a good addition to a small pollinator garden. It is often found in harsh, dry, thin soils and so is ideal for tough garden spots.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: This plant offers both nectar and pollen to a range of bees including Halictid bees (Sweat Bees), Colletid bees (Plasterer Bees), Andrenid Bees (Miner Bees), and Ceratina Bees (Little Carpenter Bees). Some Andrenid Bees are specialist pollinators of goldenrods. Wasps, Flies, Butterflies, and Moths also are supported by Goldenrods. Many moth species caterpillars feed on the foliage.

Solidago ohiensis (Ohio Goldenrod)**P

• Description: One of the more compact Goldenrods that grows to a height of about 90 cm; has a fibrous root system and is less of a spreader than some of the other stoloniferous types. Its yellow inflorescence is flat-topped in shape and blooms in late summer. Not native to the Peterborough area but is rather localized on shorelines of Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Is able to grow well in different soil types but has a preference for moist conditions.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different insect species, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. Solidago species are considered keystone plants as they serve as host plants for many Lepidoptera species–over 130 different species of caterpillars feed on the plant’s roots, form galls on the stems or feed on the flowers.

Solidago ptarmicoides (Upland White Goldenrod)*P

• Description: A short, clumping Goldenrod that is uncommon in Ontario. Its range is restricted to the Bruce Peninsula and northwards. The small clusters of white flowers are arrayed up erect and often branching stems. It grows 15-25 cm tall. It blooms from mid-summer to fall.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand


• Pollinator Associations: Like other Solidago species, this plant attracts a wide range of bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and moths.

Sorghastrum nutans (Yellow Prairie Grass)*N

• Description: This is a warm-season, clump-forming grass with dense tufts of golden yellow blooms in late summer to early fall. This perennial grass is drought tolerant, grows 90-150 cm tall in a variety of soils and will maintain an upright form in the winter.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium; Drought tolerant
  • Soil Type: Sandy loam to clay loam


• Pollinator Associations: Pollinating insects either nest below or within the grass, or use it to construct nests. Larval host for Amblyscirtes hegon Pepper-and-Salt Skipper and Dargida diffusa Wheat Head Armyworm Moth).

Sporobolus cryptandrus (Sand Dropseed)*N

• Description: A small clumping grass rising between 30-90 cm in height. It is adaptable to most soils but thrives on sandy and dry sites. Can be used in situations to limit soil erosion. The seeds may be a food source for birds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Pollinating insects either nest below or within the grass, or use it to construct nests.

Sporobolus heterolepsis (Prairie Dropseed)**N

• Description: A small clumping grass with a height of 60 cm) that thrives in dry, sandy, rocky conditions. It does not have a tendency to self-seed. The flowers are fragrant. This graceful grass takes on lovely orange to red colouring in the fall. It is somewhat slow to establish. The seeds may be a food source for birds such as Sparrows and Juncos.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand


• Pollinator Associations: Pollinating insects either nest below or within the grass, or use it to construct nests.

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)**N P

• Description: One of the keystone flowering perennial species, New England Aster is a long and late-blooming plant. It can grow tall–up to 1.8 m in height. This height can be managed by doing a reduction pruning by early June. It can grow in a variety of conditions but performs best in medium to moist soil.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The flowers are attractive to Long-Tongued bees, Bee flies, Butterflies, and Skippers. A wide range of moth caterpillar species (e.g. Geometer spp., Noctuidae spp.) feed on the plant’s flowers, leaves, and roots.

Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)**

• Description: This is a similar species to the Peterborough native Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort but is from the US Midwest. It reaches a height of about 90 cm but has a tendency to flop over. The blue to purple flowers only open in the morning and the bloom period is from late spring to summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in dry sites. It goes dormant later in the season. Bombus (Bumblebees) and other long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Long-tongued bees such as Bombus (Bumblebees) are the primary pollinators. Halictid bees and Syrphid flies also feed on pollen.

Verbena simplex (Slender Vervain)*

• Description: A drought-tolerant Vervain species; is adapted to dry sites in full sun or partial shade. The delicate lavender flowers have a long bloom period through the summer. Birds such as Juncos, Sparrows, and Cardinals eat the seeds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The plant’s nectar attracts a wide range of pollinators and serves as a host plant for the Junonia coenia (Common Buckeye Butterfly).

Verbena stricta (Hoary Vervain)**N

• Description: Also known as Tall Vervain, this short-lived perennial species can grow to a height of 1.8 m. The plant’s purple flowers typically are arranged in terminal spike clusters. It thrives in full sun and dry, sandy soil. Birds such as Juncos, Sparrows, and Cardinals eat the seeds.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun
  • Soil Moisture: Dry
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam


• Pollinator Associations: Similar to V. simplex, it attracts a wide range of pollinators, is the host plant for Junonia coenia (Common Buckeye Butterfly).

Vernonia gigantea (Tall Ironweed)*N

• Description: A tall plant that rises up to 2 m in height, Tall Ironweed has deep magenta coloured flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. It spreads by seed and by rhizomes but the root system is fibrous and the plant forms clumps. It blooms more effectively in part shade to full sun. It performs best with moist soil conditions but is one of the more drought-tolerant Vernonia species.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist, Wet
  • Soil Type: Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: The nectar attracts primarily long-tongued bees, skippers, butterflies, and Bombyliidae (bee flies). Pollen is gathered by some bees for their larvae. A range of moth species feed on the leaves.

Viola sororia (Wooly Blue Violet)**N

• Description:Wooly Blue Violets bloom in early spring, providing early emerging pollinators with both pollen and nectar. They can be used as a ground cover; as they reproduce by both rhizomes and seeds, they can spread quickly. If grown in full sun, they require at least medium moisture levels.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist, Wet
  • Soil Type: Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: Not a strong pollinator plant but will occasionally be visited by Mason Bees, Halictid Bees, and Syrphid Flies. It is an important larval host for a number of Fritillary butterflies.

Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)**

• Description: A member of the Apiaceae or Carrot family, this short-lived perennial features a yellow flat-topped inflorescence that is attractive to a wide range of pollinators. Rising to a height of 90 cm, It performs best in full sun to partial shade and medium to moist loamy soils. The bloom period is spring to summer.


• Growing Conditions:
  • Light Requirement: Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium, Moist
  • Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay


• Pollinator Associations: It offers both pollen and nectar to short and long-tongued bees, wasps, flies; is a larval host for Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail Butterfly).

References

Information about the plants in the garden was gleaned from the following resources. We encourage you to consult them for more in depth reading:

Fowler, Jarrod and Sam Droege. Pollen Specialist Bees of the United States. Online: https://jarrodfowler.com/specialist_bees.html

Hilty, John. Illinois Wildflowers. Online: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/index.htm Although located in the US Midwest, many of the plants and identified insect associations are valid here in Ontario.

Holm, Heather. Bees: An Identification and Native Plant Forage Guide. Includes Tree, Shrub, and Perennial Plant Profiles for the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast Regions. (Minnetonka: Pollination Press, 2017). Visit Pollination Press to order.

Holm, Heather. Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants. (Minnetonka: Pollination Press, 2014). Visit Pollination Press to order.

Johnson, Lorraine. 100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens. Revised Third Edition. (Madeira Park: Douglas and MacIntyre, 2017). Visit the publisher’s web site to order or to be directed to a local bookseller.

Johnson, Lorraine and Sheila Colla. A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators. Ontario and Great Lakes Edition.(Madeira Park: Douglas and MacIntyre, 2022). Visit the publisher’s web site to order or to be directed to a local bookseller.

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center plant database. Online: https://www.wildflower.org/plants

Natural Heritage Information Centre. Government of Ontario. Online: https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-natural-heritage-information. This page includes a downloadable plant list that identifies their native range in the province.

Missouri Botanical Garden plant finder database. Online: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderSearch.aspx.

Pollinator Partnership Canada has produced an informative and helpful online guide for those in the Peterborough area looking to assist pollinators: Selecting Plants for Pollinators: A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Land Managers in the Manitoulin-Lake Simcoe Ecoregion.