Habitat planting - Ask Extension
What can I plant to provide butterfly and bee habitat in Washtenaw county, michigan?
Knowledgebase
Habitat planting #874168
Asked June 22, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
What can I plant to provide butterfly and bee habitat in Washtenaw county, michigan?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
What a great question! There are many Michigan native plants (trees, bushes, grasses and flowers) that you can plant individually, in groups, or from a pollinator seed mix over an area to attract butterflies and bees. In addition you will also attract other beneficial native insects and songbirds. Because you know your site better than I do, I'll provide resources that will help you identify what will work best there:
Native MI plant lists-MSU
Native Plant Bloom Time Chart - MSU
Illinois Pollinator's Database
Minnesota Wildflowers-MN
Establishing Pollinator Habitat-MSU - bigger pollinator habitat
Pollinator Habitat Est & Mgmt Guide - download the guide
I'd consider reading the following books by Doulas W. Tallamy: "Bringing Nature Home" & "Nature's Best Hope". Other books include: "Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan" by Lynn M. Steiner, "Native Plants of the Midwest" by Alan Branhagen and "The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants" by Neil Diboll & Hilary Cox
Be sure to so a soil test as you plan your pollinator area. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf alternative that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs, look great and at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
Native plant establishment info can be found in catalogs from Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com) (go to their websites to request catalogs). Sources of native plants/seed in Michigan include Michigan Wildflower Farm (https://www.michiganwildflowerfarm.com), Wildtypes (https://www.wildtypeplants.com) and East Michigan Native Plants (https://www.eastmichnatives.com). There may be others as well. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District may also be able to provide assistance (https://www.washtenawcd.org/ - go to education/online resources/native plants)
Native MI plant lists-MSU
Native Plant Bloom Time Chart - MSU
Illinois Pollinator's Database
Minnesota Wildflowers-MN
Establishing Pollinator Habitat-MSU - bigger pollinator habitat
Pollinator Habitat Est & Mgmt Guide - download the guide
I'd consider reading the following books by Doulas W. Tallamy: "Bringing Nature Home" & "Nature's Best Hope". Other books include: "Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan" by Lynn M. Steiner, "Native Plants of the Midwest" by Alan Branhagen and "The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants" by Neil Diboll & Hilary Cox
Be sure to so a soil test as you plan your pollinator area. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf alternative that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs, look great and at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
Native plant establishment info can be found in catalogs from Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com) (go to their websites to request catalogs). Sources of native plants/seed in Michigan include Michigan Wildflower Farm (https://www.michiganwildflowerfarm.com), Wildtypes (https://www.wildtypeplants.com) and East Michigan Native Plants (https://www.eastmichnatives.com). There may be others as well. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District may also be able to provide assistance (https://www.washtenawcd.org/ - go to education/online resources/native plants)