If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you're already in one of the most naturally pollinator-rich regions in North America. But urban development, lawn culture, and non-native landscaping have fragmented that habitat considerably.
The good news is that even a small garden — a balcony, a strip along a fence, a converted parking strip — can make a meaningful contribution.
What pollinators actually need
Before getting into the plant list, it helps to understand what you're providing. Pollinators need three things: nectar (energy), pollen (protein), and habitat (nesting sites, overwintering cover). The single most important principle: choose plants with different bloom times so there's always something flowering from March to October.
Native plants: the foundation
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) — One of the earliest bloomers in the region, often flowering in February and March when almost nothing else is available. Evergreen, drought-tolerant once established, and a critical early food source for emerging queen bumble bees.
Camas (Camassia quamash) — A Pacific Northwest native wildflower producing tall spikes of violet-blue flowers in April and May. Once a staple food crop for Indigenous peoples of the region, outstanding for native bees. Plant bulbs in fall in moist, sunny spots.
Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) — One of the single best bee plants in existence. Honey bees, bumble bees, and native solitary bees all work it intensely. Easy to grow from seed, reseeds readily, and blooms prolifically through summer.
Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) — A native shrub that blooms in early spring with clusters of deep pink-red flowers. Hummingbirds love it, and it's one of the first significant nectar sources of the year for bumble bees just out of hibernation.
Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) — Blooms late — August through October — when many gardens are going dormant. This late-season forage is critical for colonies building winter stores. Spreads vigorously, so give it a contained spot.
Aster (Symphyotrichum species) — Native asters bloom alongside goldenrod in late summer and fall, extending the forage season significantly. Look for Douglas aster or New York aster at native plant nurseries.
Herbs: double duty for kitchen and garden
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — One of the most productive bee plants you can grow. English lavender varieties are best suited to the Pacific Northwest climate.
Borage (Borago officinalis) — An annual that self-seeds prolifically. The small blue star-shaped flowers produce nectar at an exceptional rate. Blooms from June through the first frost.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — Flowering thyme is one of the most bee-visited plants per square foot in a garden. Let it sprawl between stepping stones or along borders.
Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) — Easy, drought-tolerant, and blooms in waves from May through September if cut back after the first flush.
Garden staples worth including
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) — Few plants produce more pollen per flower. Plant in succession from May through July for extended bloom. Single-petaled varieties are more accessible to bees than fully double types.
Echinacea (Coneflower) (Echinacea purpurea) — A reliable mid-summer bloomer. Low maintenance, long-lived, and the seed heads feed goldfinches through winter.
Agastache (Hummingbird Mint) (Agastache foeniculum) — Often overlooked, but one of the most productive late-summer pollinator plants available. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
What to avoid
Double-flowered cultivars — Showy petals replace the reproductive structures bees need. Choose single-flowered varieties whenever possible.
Treated plants — Many nursery-grown plants are pre-treated with systemic pesticides (neonicotinoids) that persist in pollen and nectar. Buy from organic nurseries or grow from untreated seed.
Invasive species — English ivy, butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), and purple loosestrife are invasive in the Pacific Northwest and displace native habitat, regardless of how much bees may visit them.
A simple planting plan
| Season | Plants |
|---|---|
| Late winter / early spring | Oregon Grape, Red Flowering Currant |
| Spring | Camas, Phacelia, Borage |
| Early summer | Lavender, Catmint, Echinacea |
| Mid–late summer | Sunflowers, Agastache, Borage (continued) |
| Fall | Goldenrod, Aster |
Even a half-dozen plants from this list, chosen to cover different bloom windows, will make your garden meaningfully more valuable to local pollinators.
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