Leave That Willow Bee: Pollinators Need Trees and Shrubs too! Debbie Fluegel, Illinois Program Manager
About Trees Forever Presentation Overview How we learned about importance of trees & forests for pollinators Specific species Q&A
Trees Forever Mission To plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship.
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Growing Community Forests 6/3/2016 6
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Trees provide first food source Study by Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware Top Ten Trees/shrubs and number of species that they support (his research is on Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, etc.): 1. Quercus oaks (534) 6. Malus- crabapple (308) 2. Prunus- cherry, plum (456) 3. Salix- willow (455) 4. Betula- birch (411) 5. Populus- Poplar, cottonwood (367) 7. Vaccinium- blueberry, cranberry (294) 8. Acer- maple (297) 9. Alnus- native alder (255) 10. Carya- hickory (235) 10
So Many Diverse Pollinators They include: Bees native and non-native Butterflies/moths Some beetles, flies, other insects Hummingbirds and other birds Nectar-feeding bats (tropics, desert) Other vertebrates (certain lizards, lemurs, etc) Bugwood.org 11
Why are pollinators important? Ecosystem health Agriculture For reasons we do not know or understand
What pollinators need Year long forage Ideally native plants, trees and shrubs 6/3/2016 13
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Author Heather Holm s List Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants 6/3/2016 15
Oak (Quercus) Provides food for the caterpillars of 534 species of butterflies and moths 6/3/2016 16
Willow (Salix) Often considered weedy, native willows benefit pollinators by flowering early in the spring and provide important shelter and nesting sites.
Hickory (Carya) Hosts several butterfly and moth species, including hickory hairstreak, luna moth, and skipper butterflies.
Linden/Basswood (Tilia americana) Fragrant blossoms attract dozens of species of insects. Basswood honey is highly prized and one of the reasons this tree is often referred to as the bee tree.
Wild Plum (Prunus americana) Attracts many kinds of bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies. Tends to grow in thickets, providing more efficient foraging when in flower.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) Does well in wet areas & in the garden. Butterflies fight to gain access to its nectar. Host plant to the promethea moth, hydrangea sphinx, & the saddleback caterpillar. 6/3/2016 21
Without Trees, No Woodland Wildflowers Important pollen source for insects after winter hibernation. Some springblooming woodland wildflowers also offer important nectar sources.
Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis var. acuta) Provides abundant pollen, which solitary bees use for their nests
Spring Beauties (Claytonia virginica) Visited by many kinds of bees, including honey, bumble and mason bees.
Dutchman s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Pollinated by queen bumble bees searching for nectar as the emerge from hibernation.
Large-Flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) Offers nectar as well as pollen, unlike other woodland plants that bloom at the same time.
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Buzz-pollinated by small worker bumble bees and medium-sized digger bees.
Jacob s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) Blooms later in the spring, filling a void between early springblooming plants and early summer bloomers.
What pollinators need: Shelter Protection from weather and predators 6/3/2016 29
Don t be too tidy! Branches, twigs, and stems left on the ground provide overwintering protection for insects. Photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Access to Nesting Sites Pollinators are typically either ground nesters or cavity nesters (burrows inside trees) 4,000 native bee species- 70% nest in ground, travel 200 to 300 yards Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, bugwood.org 31
Pollinator Habitat Demonstration Sites 6/3/2016 32
Pollinator Habitat Demonstration Sites 6/3/2016 33
Over 500 Sites across Iowa & Illinois Water Quality Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat Thanks to our Sponsors! Click to edit Master title style Trees Forever Members
Thank you and questions? dfluegel@treesforever.org @DebbieFluegel www.treesforever.org @Trees_Forever 35