Planting for Rusty-Patched Bumble Bees
The rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) once buzzed across half of North America, ranging from the Atlantic seaboard to the Dakotas. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases have decimated rusty-patched bumble bee populations. In 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the rusty-patched bumblebee as federally endangered. Now, these native bees are found in just a fraction of their historic range, including parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Restoring rusty-patched bumble bee populations is a monumental task requiring many partners. But it’s easy to take important action on an individual level too. People living in regions with remaining rusty-patched bumble bee populations can add native plants that offer essential nutrition for rusty-patched bumblebees. These immune-boosting and superfood flower species are recommended by the USFWS and the Xerces Society for rusty-patched bumble bee habitat. Check them out and consider adding these native plants to your landscape this year!
Rusty-patched bumble bee superfoods
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot has a long bloom time and offers rich nectar rewards for native bees. It is a favorite forage plant for rusty-patched bumble bees. Wild bergamot grows aggressively in most soil and sun conditions, and is best planted alongside other aggressive native plants that can compete.
Prairie clover (Dalea spp.)
Prairie clovers, including white (Dalea alba), purple (Dalea purpurea), and silky (Dalea villosa), have abundant pollen and protein-rich nectar for native bees. These plants take a couple years to establish, but the beautiful blooms are worth the wait! Prairie clovers grow best in drier soils and full sun.
Hyssop (Agastache spp.)
Minnesota has three native hyssop species that serve rusty-patched bumble bees. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is an excellent landscaping plant with fragrant leaves and long-blooming purple flowers. Purple giant hyssop (Agastache scrophularifolia) and yellow giant hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) are woodland plants with tall, flowering spikes. Use native hyssop species in sun or shade, and in soils that tend toward the drier side.
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.)
Standing tall in wetlands, Joe Pye weed is beloved by humans and bees alike. Large pink or purple flower heads offer abundant nectar with essential amino acids for bumble bee health. Spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) grows in wet soils and full sun. The similar-looking sweet Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) tolerates shade and drier soils.
Coneflowers (Echinancea and Ratibida spp.)
Coneflower species, including those in the Echinacea and Ratibidia genera, are bee and butterfly magnets. Narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) is Minnesota’s only native Echinacea species, but both purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) are popular landscaping and restoration species. Yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) feature abundant blooms for bees, but also grow aggressively in a home garden.
Native thistles (Cirsium spp.)
Thistles get a bad reputation because of the non-native invasive species. However, there are several native thistles that are extremely beneficial to wildlife. Field thistle (Cirsium discolor) is most common in prairies, growing up to 7 feet tall with softer spines than invasive thistles. Swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum) is more commonly found in the wet meadows of central and northern Minnesota.
Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
There’s an aster for every situation! From rocky woodland colonies of big-leaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla) to wetland blooms of New England aster (Novae-angliae), asters can grow anywhere. Two easy-to-grow asters for drier, sunnier soils are sky-blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium). All asters are considered “keystone species” because of their high ecological value.
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
Leadplant is a prairie classic with vivid purple flowers overflowing with pollen and nectar. It grows in the driest, sunniest soils, making it equally ideal for green roofs and prairie restorations. Leadplant is slow to establish, focusing on root growth for several years before flowering. Plants may live for more than a century if undisturbed, and are fire-tolerant.
Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Orange jewelweed is a wetland annual growing in large colonies. Its orange flowers eventually ripen to form seed pods that burst open at the slightest touch. Jewelweed is famous for attracting hummingbirds to its colorful, nectar-rich flowers.
Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)
Despite their name, mountain mint species are native to much of the Midwestern prairie. Clustered white flowers bloom continuously for months and are beneficial for native wasps and bees. Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is Minnesota’s only native Pycnanthemum species, but related mints from neighboring states have been planted in some restorations.
Native spiraea (Spiraea spp.)
Non-native spiraea are common in the nursery trade, but consider using a native spiraea if your landscape allows. White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) grows in sunny, wet areas and has tall flowering spikes. Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) grows in similar conditions but has pink flowers.
Wild cranberry (Vaccinium spp).
Two native cranberry species are common in Minnesota’s bogs and peatlands. Large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is more widespread than small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), which sticks to cold northern bogs. Both of Minnesota’s cranberry species support native bumblebees.
Rusty-patched bumble bee immune builders
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
In addition to being a superfood, wild bergamot has been shown to strengthen bumble bee immune systems. This is especially important for rusty-patched bumble bee conservation, because weak bumble bees are more susceptible to diseases transmitted by commercial bees.
Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
Native sunflowers are another immune booster for rusty patched bumble bees. Nearly a dozen sunflower species are native to Minnesota. Helianthus species tend to be aggressive, but two tamer options for landscaping include woodland sunflower (Helianthus strumosus) and western sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis).
White turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
White turtlehead is a wetland plant with distinct white flowers that are rich in nectar. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and is essential for revegetating shorelines.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Minnesota has five native penstemon species, all of which are important for bumble bee health. Large-flowered beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus), slender beardtongue (Penstemon gracilis), and foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) are commonly sold at native plant nurseries and are ideal for landscaping and restorations.
Wild blueberry and cranberry (Vaccinium spp.)
Minnesota is home to both cranberry and blueberry species in the Vaccinium genus. Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) grows in acidic soils and is the source of many northern blueberry cultivars. Plants require pollination for fruiting and the flowers are popular among bumble bees.
Are you interested in adding native plants to your home or business landscape? Schedule a consultation to define your goals and create a native landscape that functions for people and pollinators!
