Our pollinating plants program is part of our larger Bees & Trees initiative that also includes over 250 acres of Nature Reserve.

Pollinators play a crucial role in the production of crops and other plants, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In the state of Maryland, there are many native pollinating plants that support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

By planting these native pollinators, farmers and gardeners can help sustain pollinator populations, promote biodiversity, and enhance the health and productivity of their crops. These plants are native to Maryland, easy to care for, and provide great habitat for pollinators.

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

General Description: Swamp Milkweed is a perennial plant that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in midsummer. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and is commonly found in wetlands and meadows.

Planting Instructions: Swamp Milkweed prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may require staking in windy conditions.

Plant Safety: The sap of Swamp Milkweed can cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling this plant.

Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats)

General Description: Northern Sea Oats is a perennial grass that grows up to 3 feet tall. It produces attractive, drooping seed heads that resemble oats and add visual interest to gardens.

Planting Instructions: Northern Sea Oats prefer moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant is low maintenance and requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.

Plant Safety: Northern Sea Oats are non-toxic and safe to handle.

Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris)

General Description: Blue Flag Iris is a perennial plant that produces striking blue or purple flowers in the late spring. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is commonly found in wetlands and along streams.

Planting Instructions: Blue Flag Iris prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires moderate care and prefers regular watering. It is susceptible to leaf spot and iris borer, so it is advisable to monitor for signs of damage and treat accordingly.

Plant Safety: Blue Flag Iris are toxic to humans and animals if ingested, so it is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort)

General Description: Golden Ragwort is a perennial plant that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in early spring. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides.

Planting Instructions: Golden Ragwort prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant is low maintenance and requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.

Plant Safety: Golden Ragwort is toxic if ingested, so it is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower)

General Description: Orange Coneflower is a perennial plant that produces bright orange flowers with dark centers in midsummer. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides.

Planting Instructions: Orange Coneflower prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continued flowering.Plant Safety: Orange Coneflower is non-toxic and safe to handle.

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

General Description: Black-eyed Susan is a perennial plant that produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with a dark center. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides.

Planting Instructions: Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.

Plant Safety: Black-eyed Susan is non-toxic and safe to handle.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Blue-eyed Grass)

General Description: Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass is a perennial plant that produces clusters of small, blue flowers in late spring. It can grow up to 1 foot tall and is commonly found in meadows and along the edges of forests.

Planting Instructions: Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.

Plant Safety: Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass is non-toxic and safe to handle.

Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)

General Description: Foamflower is a perennial plant that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. It can grow up to 1 foot tall and is commonly found in woodland areas.

Planting Instructions: Foamflower prefers partial shade and moist soil. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing existing plants. Sow seeds in the fall or stratify them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting in the spring.

Care and Maintenance: This plant requires moderate care and prefers regular watering. It is susceptible to leaf spot and may require treatment.

Plant Safety: Foamflower is non-toxic and safe to handle.

Pollinator Pathways

Pollinator pathways, also known as pollinator gardens or corridors, are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, pollinator pathways provide critical habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, which are essential for the production of crops and other plants. Pollinators are responsible for pollinating over 75% of the world’s food crops, and without them, our food supply would be severely impacted.

In addition to supporting pollinator populations, pollinator pathways also promote biodiversity by providing a variety of flowering plants for different pollinators. This can help to create a more resilient ecosystem, as a diverse range of plants and animals are better able to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Pollinator pathways also have aesthetic benefits, as they can add color and interest to outdoor spaces, and provide opportunities for outdoor education and community engagement. Finally, by reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals in outdoor spaces, pollinator pathways can also help to improve overall environmental health and reduce pollution.

Overall, pollinator pathways are an important component of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, and can play a critical role in promoting healthy ecosystems and food systems for both humans and wildlife.