Want your garden to do more than just look pretty? These lesser-known native plants invite a symphony of buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies into your space. They’re colorful, dynamic, and packed with the nectar pollinators crave. They support biodiversity, boost your local ecosystem, and help pollinators thrive. Skip the usual choices and try something bold and beneficial. You'll be amazed at how much life your yard can hold.
1. California Bluebell (Phacelia campanularia)
This drought-tolerant wildflower produces rich, cobalt-blue, bell-shaped blooms that bees can’t resist. Native to the southwestern U.S., it thrives in sandy soils and full sun. California bluebells bloom in early spring, offering vital nectar when few other flowers are available. The fuzzy foliage also makes it rabbit-resistant. Ideal for wildflower meadows and borders, it reseeds easily for recurring beauty. This plant supports native bees, especially in arid environments with limited early nectar sources.
2. Texas Betony (Stachys coccinea)
This bright, long-blooming perennial produces red tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Native to the Southwest, it grows best in sunny spots with well-drained soils. Its fuzzy, fragrant leaves deter deer and add texture. Texas betony thrives in heat and dry conditions, making it ideal for xeric landscapes. It pairs beautifully with native grasses and other sun-loving plants. It is a pollinator favorite that brings months of color and motion to the garden.
3. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
This wetland-loving shrub produces round, white blooms that look like pincushions and buzz with activity. Native to much of the U.S., it thrives in moist soils but can handle brief dry spells. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. It also serves as a host plant for moth larvae. Buttonbush is great for rain gardens, pond edges, or low spots. Its unusual blooms add beauty and biodiversity to any landscape.
4. Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare)
This hardy perennial bursts into bloom in mid-to-late summer with clusters of soft purple-pink flowers, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Native to Europe and parts of North America, wild basil thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Its fragrant foliage adds a subtle herbal scent while naturally deterring deer. Ideal for wildflower meadows, borders, or pollinator gardens, this resilient plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It is a valuable nectar source that supports biodiversity well into the season.
5. Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris)
This tall native wildflower blooms in summer with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that attract native bees and butterflies. It grows up to 8 feet and thrives in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands with full sun. Once established, tall coreopsis tolerates drought and poor soils. The cheerful blooms provide nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds in the fall. Its height adds bold structure and motion to the landscape. It is a great choice for naturalistic plantings and native gardens.
6. Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)
This native wild onion produces delicate, nodding pink blooms in late spring that bees love. Once established, it grows in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil and tolerates drought. The slender flower stalks rise above narrow, grasslike leaves. Nodding onion is ideal for rock gardens, native beds, or sunny borders. Its flowers provide nectar during a seasonal gap, helping pollinators bridge spring and summer. It is a beautiful, edible addition that supports native bee species.
7. Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum)
Covered in golden-yellow flowers in early to mid-summer, this shrub is a bee favorite. Native to central and eastern North America, it thrives in various soils and is drought-tolerant once established. It stays under 3 feet tall and wide, making it easy to fit in most gardens. Its tidy shape and long bloom period add appeal. Butterflies also stop by for nectar. This plant is low-maintenance and versatile.
8. Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
Known for its vivid purple flowers shaped like fuzzy cones, prairie clover is a prairie native that bees adore. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial to surrounding plants. This tough perennial thrives in full sun and dry conditions. Blooms appear in midsummer and often rebloom with trimming. It attracts native bees and butterflies alike. Prairie clover is excellent for wildflower plantings and restorations.
9. Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
This native mint bursts into bloom in summer with soft lavender-white flowers that attract all kinds of pollinators. It's one of the top nectar sources for native bees and butterflies. Virginia mountain mint grows best in full sun and moist to average soils. Its aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal while deterring deer. Though it can spread, it’s easy to manage with trimming or containers. A must-have for pollinator gardens and restoration projects.
10. Chaparral Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus)
Native to California, this pink-flowering shrub provides nectar to bees and butterflies in dry, hot climates. Once established, it thrives on neglect and blooms spring through summer. Its soft, velvety leaves and charming flowers add texture. This plant is ideal for dry slopes, native gardens, or habitat restoration. It’s also fire-resistant, adding ecological value. Bush mallow supports specialist native bees.
11. Blue Curls (Trichostema dichotomum)
Blue curls offer unique, curling violet-blue flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Native to the eastern U.S., they thrive in sandy soils and full sun. Bees, especially bumblebees, love their abundant nectar. The foliage has a pleasant scent, and the plant stays tidy and compact. It is great for edges and pollinator strips. These blooms stand out when little else is flowering.
12. Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
This cheerful yellow bloomer thrives in dry, sunny gardens and offers nectar to native bees and butterflies. Desert marigold is native to the southwestern deserts and blooms year-round in mild climates. It’s short-lived but reseeds readily. The silvery foliage adds contrast and reflects heat. It is ideal for xeriscapes or gravel gardens. Bees especially love its long-lasting flowers.
13. Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks')
Unlike aggressive goldenrod species, this cultivar stays well-behaved and bursts with golden sprays in the fall. It’s a late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies and hungry bees. Goldenrod thrives in sunny spots with average to moist soil. ‘Fireworks’ adds a bright finale to the garden year after year. Plant it with asters for a pollinator-friendly fall combo. It also supports beneficial predatory insects.
14. Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Wild blue indigo is a sturdy native perennial with spires of blue-violet flowers in spring. It attracts bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators. Once established, it thrives in full sun and tolerates drought. The plant also fixes nitrogen, helping soil health. After blooming, it forms decorative seedpods. This plant brings structure and deep color to native borders. It’s also unbothered by deer and rabbits.
15. Narrowleaf Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii)
With feathery foliage and electric purple flowers, this native perennial is both beautiful and tough. It blooms from late summer into fall, attracting bees and monarchs. Narrowleaf ironweed is drought-tolerant and loves full sun. Its fine texture makes it a great contrast plant. Butterflies flock to its long-lasting blooms. It performs well in meadows or sunny beds.
16. Rose Verbena (Glandularia canadensis)
This spreading perennial produces clusters of bright magenta or pink blooms that attract butterflies and bees. Rose verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, often blooming from spring into fall. It’s native to much of the South and Midwest and performs well in borders, slopes, or containers. The foliage is semi-evergreen in mild climates and adds a soft texture to the garden. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and offers long-lasting color and consistent nectar. It is a standout ground cover for sunny, pollinator-friendly spaces.
17. Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)
Spotted bee balm stands out in dry gardens with its stacked whorls of pale pink flowers with purple spots. Native to eastern and central North America, it thrives in full sun and sandy soils. Pollinators love its long-lasting summer blooms, which have a pleasant oregano-like fragrance. It tolerates drought and reseeds easily. Bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps all visit its blooms.
18. Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
This showy native penstemon produces blue-purple tubular blooms that are loved by bumblebees. It grows in dry, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun at higher elevations. Rocky Mountain penstemon is cold-hardy and deer-resistant once established. It blooms in early summer and works well in naturalistic or xeric gardens. The upright stems add height and color to the landscape. It is a long-lived perennial that delivers strong pollinator support.
19. Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
This prairie native features spiky white flower globes and bold, sword-like leaves that give gardens unique texture. It blooms in midsummer, offering nectar to native bees, butterflies, and beetles. Rattlesnake master thrives in full sun and handles drought with ease. Its long-lasting blooms add strong architectural interest to wildflower meadows. The plant also supports moth larvae and other beneficial insects. It is a standout for open landscapes and restoration areas.
20. Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata)
This native wildflower blooms in summer with nodding yellow flowers with reddish centers, attracting small native bees. Fringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) thrives in moist meadows, rain gardens, and along stream banks. It spreads by rhizomes and can naturalize in damp areas while remaining manageable. The plant also serves as a larval host for looper moths, supporting a broader range of pollinators. Its bright blooms and delicate, fringed foliage bring color and texture to wetland edges, making it a great choice for enhancing habitat diversity.
21. Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
This graceful wildflower blooms in early summer with soft lavender petals that droop from a central cone. Pale purple coneflower prefers lean, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. Its open form and long bloom time attract bees and butterflies. This native plant has a delicate, elegant presence in naturalistic gardens. It’s drought-tolerant and rarely browsed by deer. It's a lovely addition to prairies, meadows, and native borders.
22. Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
This native aster blooms in fall with airy blue flowers that support migrating butterflies and native bees. It grows in sunny prairies and dry woodlands with well-drained soils. The daisy-like blooms provide essential late-season nectar. Sky blue aster pairs beautifully with goldenrod for a pollinator-friendly display. Once established, it tolerates drought and poor soils. It has a soft, cloud-like presence that helps pollinators when they need it most.
23. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
This fiery red bloomer attracts hummingbirds and native bees from summer into fall. Native to California and the Southwest, it thrives in dry, rocky soils and full sun. California fuchsia is drought-tolerant and needs little maintenance once established. Its silvery foliage and bright flowers shine in arid gardens. The plant is also deer-resistant and perfect for slopes or borders. It is a burst of late-season color that keeps pollinators coming.
24. Cowpen Daisy (Verbesina encelioides)
This tough native annual thrives in hot, dry spots with poor soils and full sun. Bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles all summer long. Cowpen daisy reseeds easily, filling gaps with pollinator-friendly blooms. It’s native to the southern and central U.S. and ideal for informal gardens. The silver-green foliage adds soft texture and contrast. A quick-growing plant that delivers vibrant color and ecological value.
25. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This lavender-blooming mint draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all summer. It thrives in full sun and average to dry North America's soils. Wild bergamot’s fragrant foliage is deer-resistant and great for tea. The blooms are long-lasting and perfect for native borders or meadows. It’s a classic pollinator plant with charm and resilience. Easy to grow and full of nectar.
26. Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella)
This cheerful native blooms nonstop through the summer heat with red, orange, and yellow daisy-like flowers. Blanketflower grows in sandy or poor soils and thrives in full sun. It attracts bees, butterflies, and native flies with reliable nectar. A short-lived perennial or annual, it reseeds easily for recurring blooms. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it’s great for sunny borders. A fun, low-maintenance burst of color for pollinator gardens.
27. Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata)
This trailing native blooms with deep magenta, cup-shaped flowers that attract small bees. It spreads low along the ground, making it ideal for sunny borders or slopes. Winecup thrives in dry soils and full sun and is both deer—and drought-tolerant. It flowers from spring into summer, offering nectar when few others do. The bright color and unique shape add charm to native beds. It is a lovely pollinator ground cover for tough spots.
28. Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
This moisture-loving perennial produces vivid blue spikes of blooms in late summer. It thrives in part shade and damp soils, making it ideal for rain gardens and low areas. Bumblebees are especially drawn to its tubular flowers. Native to eastern and central North America, it brings structure and color. The blooms rise above leafy clumps and attract pollinators in droves. It is a bold native that brightens up wet spots.
29. Short Toothed Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum miticum)
This powerful pollinator plant bursts with nectar-rich blooms from midsummer onward. Its silver bracts and dense flower heads draw bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Native to the eastern U.S., it grows in sun to part shade and average soils. The minty scent repels deer and invites exploration. It spreads readily, so give it space or control it with trimming. It is one of the best all-around plants for supporting pollinator diversity.
30. Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
This airy native mint blooms with tiny white flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators. Its fine, threadlike leaves add a soft look to sunny beds and meadows. Slender mountain mint thrives in full sun and average to dry soils. The plant spreads politely and is easy to manage. Its strong fragrance adds sensory interest and deters browsing deer. It is a graceful, adaptable addition to native pollinator gardens.
31. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
This fragrant mint blooms with upright purple flower spikes from summer into fall. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all visit its nectar-rich blooms. Native to the northern U.S., it grows best in full sun and well-drained soils. The licorice-scented leaves can be used for tea and resist deer browsing. Anise hyssop is drought-tolerant and long-blooming. It is a beautiful and useful herb for pollinator borders.
32. Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
This late-blooming wildflower produces cheerful yellow flowers that feed butterflies and bees. Despite its name, sneezeweed doesn’t cause allergies. Native to moist areas, it grows well in rain gardens and along pond edges. It tolerates average soils and adds fall color to beds. The daisy-like blooms are long-lasting and loved by pollinators. It is a bright and beneficial addition to pollinator spaces.
33. Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)
This tall, showy perennial blooms in midsummer with vivid purple flower spikes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Prairie blazing star prefers moist soils but adapts well to garden beds. The flowers rise above grassy foliage and pair beautifully with native grasses. It’s also a host plant for moth species. A striking vertical element that’s rich in nectar and movement.
Make Your Garden Come Alive
Don’t just plant a garden—create a living, buzzing haven. These nectar-rich plants turn your yard into a five-star buffet for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Whether you’ve got sun, shade, or something in between, there’s a native plant that fits—and gives back. You’re not just growing flowers; you’re building habitat, restoring balance, and making your yard matter. Skip the bland and go bold with blooms that support life on the wings. Your garden can be the reason pollinators thrive.
Pollinators need your help! Here are easy ways to make your garden their favorite springtime stop:
17 Ways to Attract More Pollinators to Your Garden This Spring