Our region—the Hudson Valley—serves as a vital corridor for pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths. Planting native species supports these ecosystems and improves garden health. Here are ten top local picks, complete with bloom times, pollinator appeal, and growing tips.
1. Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
- Bloom: Summer–early fall
- Pollinators: Native bees, butterflies (Monarchs, Swallowtails), honeybees, occasional hummingbirds
- Why it’s great: Cheerful daisy-like flowers, long bloom, drought-tolerant, self-seeding, deer-resistant
2. Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
- Bloom: Late spring–summer
- Pollinators: Monarchs, swallowtails, native bees
- Why it’s great: Bright orange blooms, host plant for Monarch caterpillars, thrives in sandy soils
3. Solidago rugosa (Rough Goldenrod)
- Bloom: Late summer–fall
- Pollinators: Bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies
- Why it’s great: Late-season nectar, key fall resource, prairie and meadow vibe
4. Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
- Bloom: Summer
- Pollinators: Honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Why it’s great: Aromatic foliage, eye-catching blooms, tolerates moist conditions
5. Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
- Bloom: Mid-summer–fall
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, general pollinators
- Why it’s great: Long-lasting blooms, seed heads loved by songbirds later in the season
6. Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)
- Bloom: Late spring–summer
- Pollinators: Native bees, hummingbirds
- Why it’s great: Tubular blossoms, early nectar source, good for rock gardens
7. Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
- Bloom: Mid-summer–early fall
- Pollinators: Ruby-throated hummingbirds, butterflies
- Why it’s great: Striking red spikes, thrives in moist soil by ponds or streams
8. Helianthus decapetalus (Thin-leaved Sunflower)
- Bloom: Late summer–fall
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, beetles
- Why it’s great: Cheerful yellow daisies, feeds insects and later birds with its seeds
9. Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
- Bloom: Mid–late summer
- Pollinators: Butterflies, hummingbirds
- Why it’s great: Scented clusters, available in many colors, attracts lasting pollinator visits
10. Campanula americana (American Bellflower)
- Bloom: Summer–early fall
- Pollinators: Bees (particularly mining and bumble bees), butterflies
- Why it’s great: Delicate nodding bells, well-suited to woodland edges and partial shade
🌿 Planting & Care Tips
- Group plantings: Pollinators find larger clustered patches easier to locate.
- Choose varied bloom seasons: Provide nectar from spring through fall for continual support.
- Avoid pesticides: These harm bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
- Support diversity: Include different shapes (flat-tops, tubed blossoms, spikes) to suit different pollinators.
- Create habitat: Leave hollow stems over winter and add small logs or rocks for nesting.
Why It Matters in the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley’s diverse terrains—ranging from meadowlands to forested slopes—supply ideal conditions for supporting a rich pollinator community. With many native plant populations dwindling, intentional gardening helps foster a healthier regional ecosystem and supports creatures—like Monarch butterflies and native pollinating bee species—that are under pressure.