Pollinator Resources

Plant for Continuous Bloom

The single most important thing you can do for bees is provide flowers from early spring through late fall. Different bee species are active at different times, and they all need nectar and pollen throughout their flight season.

• Early Spring: Willows, Oregon grape, camas, early fruit trees
• Late Spring: Ceanothus, lupines, caneberries, clover
• Summer: Sunflowers, asters, goldenrod, lavender, bee balm
• Fall: Late-blooming asters, sedum, goldenrod

Provide Nesting Habitat

About 70% of native bees nest in the ground, while the rest use existing cavities in wood, stems, or other materials.

• Ground nesters: Leave patches of bare, undisturbed soil in sunny spots. Avoid mulch and heavy tilling in these areas.
• Cavity nesters: Leave dead wood standing when safe to do so. Don't clear away all the dead stems in fall—many bees nest in pithy stems like blackberry canes.
• Nest boxes: Mason bee houses can support cavity-nesting bees, but they require proper maintenance to prevent disease and parasites.

Avoid Pesticides

Many common pesticides—even some labeled "organic"—are toxic to bees. If you must use pesticides:

• Never spray blooming plants
• Follow the exact product label, including restrictions that protect pollinators
• Choose the least toxic option that will work
• Consider whether treatment is truly necessary

Evening application alone does not make a pesticide safe for pollinators. Residues can remain harmful after spraying. Ask a local extension adviser about alternatives and follow the label's application directions and restrictions.

Read Oregon's pesticide and pollinator guidance Read how EPA assesses pollinator exposure