Why Pollinators Need Our Help

Why We Plant Native Plants for Pollinators 

Native plants are naturally occurring plants in a specific area without human interference. Therefore, Ohio native plants were present long before European Settlers arrived. Over a very long time, native plants have adapted and co-evolved with our pollinator insects, birds, and other wildlife. As a result, our pollinators need native plants to survive. 

Native plants provide crucial pollen, nectar, and habitat for our native pollinators and wildlife. Many of our pollinators have evolved over time with our plants and become reliant on particular plants in order to survive. Many have one particular plant (or a few) where they can lay their eggs, which is called a host plant. For example, the only host plant for the monarch butterfly is milkweed. Without milkweed, the monarch cannot lay eggs and reproduce. This is just one example, and there are so many more! 

Pollinator populations have rapidly declined in recent years. We need them to pollinate our plants and grow crops. By planting native plants, you can help provide habitat and food sources for our pollinators!