Naturally Natives When a Rose Isn’t Just another rose

by Scott Woodbury

It’s clear to me that some plants attract more insects than others. Blazing star (Liatris) and mountain mint (Pycnanthemum) are clamoring with pollinators when they are in bloom. So are Joe Pye (Eutrochium), iron plant (Vernonia), sunflower (Helianthus), and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), linden (Tilia), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net

573-496-3492, fax: 573-496-3003 willow (Salix) are audible when in bloom, because they’re covered with clouds of buzzing bees. Milkweed (Asclepias) and spikenard (Aralia racemosa) are not only covered in pollinators, but also sugargathering ants and predators like jumping and crab spiders, who linger for a chance to ambush a pollinator for lunch. These native plants provide nectar and pollen “superfood” for insects.

Meet us at one of these locations in St. Louis. Give us your order by Tuesday before a sale, and we will bring it to the location.

Kirkwood Farmer’s Market, 150 East Argonne Dr. Kirkwood MO 63122. Give us your order by Tuesday before a sale, or pick from the selection at the market. April 1,8,15,22, & 29, and May 20 & 27; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pineton Loop, MO 63039. Event: “Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market,” May 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Member’s only sale Friday, May 5, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. www.shawnature.org.

Beyond Housing Headquarters, 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis 63121 Native Plant Fair/Sale. April 30 (Sunday), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now OPEN at our Brazito (Jefferson City) location.

You can see for yourself how insects will flock to your home landscaping by adding native plants and spending time looking at them. But be sure to include top-performing superfoods for insects

Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down from that position in June 2022. He continues to work on contract for Shaw Nature Reserve to carry out native landscaping education, and has launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding. Scott is also founder of the Wild Ones St. Louis Chapter, which financiall supports this column. Find suppliers of native plants, seeds, and services at the Grow Native! Resource Guide: www.moprairie.org.