Garden Plants for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
By Peggy Burhenn, UC Master Gardener
| Plant | Description |
|---|---|
Bladderpod | Large shrub to 6 feet with bright yellow flowers. Full sun, very low water needs, but tolerates summer irrigation. Highly fragrant and easy to propagate from seed. |
California buckwheat | Evergreen shrub to 3 feet. Creamy white blooms age to rust color. Fast growing, drought tolerant, and adaptable to poor soils. Excellent for hillside stabilization. Attracts pollinators and birds; deer resistant. |
California coffeeberry | Large evergreen shrub to 15 feet; dwarf varieties available. Inconspicuous flowers, very low water needs. Grows in sun or part shade. |
California lilac | Over 160 species native to California. Blue or white blooms from winter through spring. Growth ranges from low groundcovers to shrubs and trees up to 15 feet. Low water needs once established. |
Coyote brush | Fast-growing shrub up to 10 feet. Choose male plants to prevent seed spread. Useful for bank stabilization. Provides nesting material for birds; dwarf cultivars available. |
Currants | Vase-shaped shrubs to 6 feet. Red and yellow varieties. Tolerate inland shade and coastal sun. Spring flowers attract hummingbirds; low water needs. |
Elderberry | Shrub or small tree reaching 20–30 feet. Creamy white flowers and dark blue berries provide food for birds and mammals. Tolerates shade and cold; easy to grow. |
Manzanita | Numerous California-native species ranging from groundcovers to large shrubs. Winter and spring flowers. Slow growing with very low water requirements. |
Mountain mahogany | Evergreen shrub or small tree, 8–20 feet tall. Low water needs and adaptable to many soils. Attracts butterflies, moths, and birds; responds well to pruning. |
Purple needlegrass | California’s state grass. Bunchgrass to 3 feet with purple-tinged seed heads. Deep roots aid erosion control. Full sun, deer resistant, and drought tolerant. |
Purple sage | Aromatic shrub 3–5 feet tall. Grey-green foliage and purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Low water use; suitable for slopes. |
Toyon | Also known as Christmas berry. Produces red winter berries important to birds. Typically 8–10 feet tall but may reach 30 feet. Tolerates sun or part shade and summer water with good drainage. |
Western redbud | Shrub or small deciduous tree to 20 feet. Bright pink spring blossoms and heart- shaped leaves attract leafcutter bees. Tolerates part shade to full sun. |
Common yarrow | Easy-to-grow perennial, 1–2 feet tall. White flowers attract many pollinators and beneficial insects. Tolerates a wide range of soils with low water needs. |
References
Calscape. California Native Plant Society. Calscape | California’s Native Plant Gardening Destination
UC IPM. Natural Enemies Gallery. Natural Enemies Gallery – UC Statewide IPM Program