Native Plants

Native Plants and Rain Gardens

Download the ONSC Native Plants PDF

Introduction

Native species are plants and animals that naturally originate from a particular area. These indigenous species have evolved and adapted alongside their ecosystem, contributing to its unique balance and characteristics. When an exotic or non-native species is introduced into an established ecosystem, it may lack natural predators or competition. Without proper management, some non-native species can become invasive, rapidly taking over and damaging the ecosystem. This can lead to the starvation and extinction of native species, reducing biodiversity and altering the ecosystem for the worse.

In contrast, native species work together to maintain healthy ecosystems by improving soil quality, following natural life cycles, and interacting with one another in ways that ensure all populations receive the food, water, and shelter they need to survive.

Here at ONSC, we have planted a variety of native plant species in our gardens. These plants are not only beautiful to look at but also play a vital role in supporting all the wildlife that call the Bear Hollow Natural Area home. As stewards of this land, our native plant garden is a valuable tool in conserving the integrity of this unique ecosystem.

Our native plant garden is also a pollinator garden! Native plants attract wildlife, especially pollinators, to our campus. Pollinators fertilize plants by carrying pollen from flower to flower as they drink nectar. The best pollinators transfer pollen between flowers of the same species, ensuring successful reproduction. Native pollinators and native plants make the perfect match. Pollinated plants then produce fruits and seeds that sustain the ecosystem. In fact, 90% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators to reproduce.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations have seen dramatic declines in recent years due to habitat loss and the overuse of pesticides. Native plant gardens help support pollinator populations and, in turn, the entire ecosystem. By providing native plants, we create a haven for pollinators, which keeps the ecosystem healthy and thriving!

"Johnson Wildflower Center, plus Arkansas Crystal Bridges 10.12 036" by Alexandratx is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Let’s Meet the Pollinators

The pollinators attracted to our garden come in all shapes and sizes. While bees are some of the most efficient pollinators, they aren’t the only insects helping the plants thrive. Butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and even hummingbirds play vital roles in pollination. Most of these pollinators are drawn to the garden because our carefully chosen native plants produce nectar that they enjoy.Native pollinators have adapted over time to work in harmony with native plants. This means that different pollinators have preferences for the types of plants they visit.

Bees are attracted to bright white, blue, and yellow flowers. Different bee species prefer flowers based on their size—small bees go for smaller flowers, while larger bees prefer larger flowers. Interestingly, bees can see ultraviolet light, which helps them spot patterns on brightly colored flowers, guiding them to the nectar. Bees have multiple adaptations that make them pollen magnets and champion pollinators, including fuzzy or hairy bodies and baskets for pollen on their legs.

Wasps visit a range of flowering plants, some of which are less attractive to bees and butterflies, in search of nectar and/or insect prey to feed their larvae. Among the wasps, it is the family Vespidae (with subfamilies Vespinae and Polistinae, which includes paper wasps and hornets, and Masarinae, also known as pollen wasps, similar looking to the previous groups, but with distinctive clubbed antennae) which are most known to engage in pollination. Because most wasps have short tongues, cannot see the color red, but do see UV light waves, most flowers that wasps visit are open and not too deep, and white- or yellow-colored.

Photo 331564954, (c) willem9, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Butterflies can see red and prefer bright red, orange, or yellow flowers, but the shape of the flower matters more to them than color. Since butterflies cannot hover while drinking, they need flowers with a place to land. Their long tongues are perfect for reaching deep into tubular flowers, especially those that grow in clusters or have wide-spreading petals.

Moths typically pollinate flowers that bloom at night or in the late afternoon. They are attracted to pale-colored flowers (which reflect moonlight and allow them to be seen from longer distances) and flowers with strong, sweet fragrances and copious amounts of dilute nectar. Not all moths are nocturnal–the hawk or hummingbird moths are a great example of diurnal hovering moths. Moths’ hairy underbodies are great for picking up extra pollen as they visit flowers.

Photo 332197638, (c) Ron Wertz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)

Flies tend to pollinate darker maroon and brown colored flowers that have a putrid or rotten odor, like the flowers of the Paw Paw tree, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Skunk Cabbage. There are also some bee mimic species of flies, such as the extremely hairy bee flies (bombylids), who visit many of the same kind of flowers bees are do.

Photo 330409609, (c) Moses Michelsohn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Beetles are among the earliest known pollinators, and are especially important for ancient species such as magnolias, water lilies, and spicebush. Beetles rely on their sense of smell to find food, and can be attracted to fruity, spicy, or fermented scents. As they munch on flower petals and other parts, they move pollen from flower to flower, giving them the nickname “mess and soil” pollinators.

Photo 328863601, (c) Louise Woodrich, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular flowers as well. Unlike butterflies, hummingbirds can hover, allowing them to drink nectar from flowers that don’t provide a place to land. With heart rates more than 10 times faster than humans, hummingbirds have extremely fast metabolisms and need to eat constantly. They drink nectar—up to half their body weight in sugar daily—and also hunt for tiny bugs for protein, which is a vital part of their diet.

Photo 333034844, (c) Ricardo Castro, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Creating a Welcoming Habitat for Pollinators

In addition to planting native species, there are several other ways to create a welcoming habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Here are some simple ways to make your space more attractive to pollinators:

Water Sources: Pollinators, especially butterflies and certain bees, need access to water. A shallow saucer filled with pebbles and water or damp mud puddles can provide the moisture they need. You can also sprinkle water on flat rocks or pathways, as butterflies enjoy “puddling” to absorb nutrients from mud.
Shelter: Butterfly houses provide excellent shelter from the elements and predators. Painted in bright colors like red, yellow, pink, or purple, they can help attract butterflies to your yard. Native bees also benefit from bundles of hollow stalks or small bee houses for nesting. Remember to leave dead stalks standing and leaf cover and piles of dead wood at least in certain areas of your yard to help provide extra habitat for these beneficial insects.
Host Plants: Butterflies not only need nectar but also host plants where they can lay eggs and feed their caterpillars. Incorporating host plants like milkweed or other native species ensures butterflies can complete their life cycle in your yard.
Fruit Feeders: Overripe fruit can attract butterflies such as red admirals, viceroys, and mourning cloaks. Place fruit in a bird feeder, on a saucer, or even on a flat rock in the sun to draw in butterflies. Just be mindful of other critters like ants, raccoons, or bees, which might also be attracted to the fruit.
Mud Puddles: Creating a small muddy patch with rocks and sand can provide minerals and salts, which male butterflies especially need. A shallow container buried in the ground works well to retain moisture and keep the puddle from drying out too quickly.

By providing these key elements—water, shelter, host plants, and a variety of food sources—you can create a thriving pollinator-friendly space that supports not only butterflies but a variety of beneficial pollinators.

Other Interesting Pollinators Around the World

While bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are some of the most well-known pollinators, there are fascinating pollinators in other parts of the world that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems. Here are a few interesting examples:

Fruit Bats: In tropical and desert climates, fruit bats (also known as "flying foxes") are important pollinators. They feed on nectar and pollen from flowers of fruit trees, such as bananas, mangoes, and guavas. As they move from tree to tree, they carry pollen on their bodies, helping these plants reproduce. Fruit bats are nocturnal, so they typically pollinate flowers that bloom at night.
Lizards: Surprisingly, some species of lizards also act as pollinators. In regions like the Pacific Islands, certain small lizards such as skinks and geckos visit flowers to feed on nectar. As they move across the plants, pollen sticks to their skin, making them effective pollinators. This behavior has been observed in plants with sturdy flowers that can support the weight of these reptiles.
Ants: While they are often thought of as pests, ants can also be important pollinators, especially in arid environments. They move between low-growing flowers in search of nectar, helping to transfer pollen in the process. In the Mediterranean, ants pollinate plants like wild thyme.
Mammals: Black and white ruffed lemurs in Madagascar and honey possums of Australia are two mammals which also pollinate flowers as they stick their long snouts and tongues deep inside flowers of traveler’s palms and eucalyptus trees, respectively.

Pollinators play essential roles in their ecosystems, proving that pollination is a complex and diverse process that goes beyond the more familiar insects and birds.

What is a Rain Garden?

A Rain Garden is a shallow depression in the landscape, planted with native plants, designed to capture, filter, and drain rainwater runoff. These gardens allow rainwater to soak into the ground within 48 hours, helping nearby vegetation absorb water and nutrients. Rain gardens replenish groundwater and reduce the amount of runoff entering storm drains. By placing rain gardens under rooftops or near gutter drains, you can minimize lawn flooding and erosion in local waterways. Additionally, the native plants in rain gardens provide crucial habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, and other valuable wildlife species.

rain-garden-small c Carrie Stevenson University of Florida Extension https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2014/05/27/rain-gardens-offer-option-for-problem-areas-of-yard/

Reasons to Consider Starting a Native Plant Garden

Native plants offer numerous benefits, including:

Providing food and habitat for local pollinators.
Sequestering carbon and reducing air pollution.
Supporting and protecting biodiversity.
Preserving healthy soil and preventing erosion.
Requiring no fertilizer or pesticides.
Being better adapted to the region’s weather.
Saving water, as many need less than non-native plants.
Needing less maintenance, as they mimic natural ecosystems.
Adding beauty to your landscape and being rewarding to grow.

Tips for Starting and Maintaining a Native Plant Garden

Understand the Land

Before you start planting, take note of your garden’s soil quality. Is it dry or moist? Loose or compact? Is the soil mostly dirt, rock, or clay? These factors will help you choose the native plants that will thrive in your chosen area.

Plant According to Sun Exposure: Determine how much sunlight each area of your garden receives throughout the day. Some plants prefer full sun, while others do better in partial shade. Planting species according to their sunlight needs will improve the chances of success in your native plant garden.

Take Note of What’s Already Growing: Identify any plants already growing in the area—especially invasive species. Removing invasive plants before introducing native ones will give your garden a healthy start and ensure fair competition between species.

Research Your Native Species: Not all native species compete well with others, and some may even be nuisance species. Be sure to research your chosen plants to ensure they will contribute positively to the biodiversity in your garden.

Variety Is Your Friend: To attract a wide range of pollinators, include a diverse array of plants in terms of type, form, and seasonality. Different colors, shapes, and blooming seasons ensure that your garden will be bursting with life year-round. Consider adding native grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines alongside nectar-producing flowers for even more pollinator habitats.

Try the No-Till or 'Back to Eden' Gardening Method: Preserving soil health is key. Instead of tilling the soil, try planting native grasses in open spaces and using cardboard and mulch to control weeds. This method minimizes soil disturbance, which helps soil microbes and macroinvertebrates thrive, and promotes healthy plant growth.

Ditch the Chemicals: Native plants are already adapted to your local environment, so they don’t need fertilizers to thrive. Pesticides, on the other hand, harm pollinators and undermine the ecological benefits of your garden. Avoiding synthetic chemicals helps keep waterways clean, supports pollinators, and saves you time and money.

Provide Different Habitats for Pollinators: Some bee species are ground nesters, and leaving leaf litter, logs, or patches of bare ground can give them the perfect home. Bee boxes are another great option for providing shelter to non-aggressive native bees. Butterflies often use specific plants, like milkweed, for laying eggs and larval development—so include these host plants to help butterflies complete their life cycle in your garden.

Keep Pollinators Hydrated: While native plant gardens require less water than traditional lawns, it’s still a good idea to provide water sources for pollinators and other wildlife. Rain gardens, birdbaths, or small ponds are excellent ways to offer hydration and attract more visitors to your garden.

Other Helpful Websites

More Information on Pollinators and Pollinator Gardens:

Pollinator Partnership: Pollinator Guide
A comprehensive guide on creating pollinator-friendly gardens.
USGS: The Buzz About Native Bees
Learn about the importance of native bees and their role in pollination.
University of Arkansas Extension: Butterfly Gardens
Information on creating butterfly-friendly gardens.
Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership: Create Habitat
Tips on how to create habitats for monarchs and other pollinators.
USDA Forest Service: Who Are the Pollinators?
Learn more about different types of pollinators and their roles in ecosystems.

More Information on Rain Gardens:

University of Arkansas Extension: Rain Gardens
Learn how to design and maintain rain gardens for water conservation.
University of Arkansas Extension: Rain Garden Fact Sheet
Detailed information on the benefits and construction of rain gardens.
EPA: Rain Gardens Fact Sheet
An EPA guide on rain gardens and their environmental benefits.

Information on Arkansas Native Plants:

University of Arkansas Extension: Native Plants
A resource on the benefits and care of native plants in Arkansas.
Arkansas Native Plant Society: Plant Sources
A list of sources for native plants in Arkansas.
Arkansas Native Plant Society: Know Your Natives Archive
Archive of articles on native plants and their identification.
City of Fayetteville: Wildscaping with Ozark Native Plants
A guide to using Ozark native wildflowers and grasses in landscaping.
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission: Native Plant Guide
A comprehensive guide to native plants in Arkansas.

Native Plants and Rain Gardens​

Download the ONSC Native Plants PDF ​

Introduction​

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