Pollinators need a diverse mix of blooming flowers all through the growing season for forage (April-October). Native tree and shrub species provide some of the first food sources for pollinators in the spring, whether it’s the pollen and nectar from the flowers or the leaves for butterfly and moth caterpillars. The leaves and woody material provide nesting sites, shelter from the elements and predators, and protection throughout winter. The tree and shrub species listed in the chart below are all native to the Midwest and provide many habitat benefits for pollinators.
