Plants Native to Southeastern Pennsylvania

Goldenrod

There are more than 100 species of goldenrod in North America, and they are one of the most important late-season pollinator plants. Prior to winter, honeybees visit this plant to collect nectar, and other bees use the pollen for later-season nests.

Talus Slope Penstemon

This plant is resistant to drought and heat, and will attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds due to the tubular flower structure which can be accessed by long-tongued bees and hummingbirds.

Butterfly or Common Milkweed

As suggested by its name, milkweed or butterfly milkweed is a vital food source for the larval stage of monarchs as well as many other butterflies. The large decline (90%) in the North American monarch population is largely attributed to the increasing scarcity of milkweed.

Eastern Purple Coneflower

This long-blooming flower is often seen as one of the main pollinators attracting species due to its prevalence and the open flower that provides an ideal feeding platform for butterflies such as monarchs. Honeybees and bumblebees, as well as other insect pollinators, are also attracted to this plant.

After

Sweet Scented Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed tends to attract larger, showy butterflies such as monarchs or swallowtails as well as many native bees and insects. This plant is tolerant of partial shade and wet soils, and smaller gardens should use the “gateway” variety.

Heath, Bigleaf, New York, or New England Aster

Asters are highly attractive to bees in particular, and provide a source of pollen and nectar later in the season. They are fairly drought resistant and grow best in full sun to light shade.

Wild Bergamot

Also known as bee balm, this plant is a valuable nectar source for monarch butterflies, and the flower clusters are highly attractive to native bees and bumblebees.

Giant Ironweed

This plant is excellent for nectar, and attracts mainly hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It blooms from mid summer to fall and is a versatile perennial.

Tall or Whorled Tickseed

This plant attracts mostly bees, but also attracts other insects such as wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and beetles.

Plant List from https://positivelypa.com/planting-for-pollinators/