Planting Guide
Native Plants for Pollinators in Central Ohio
A healthy garden starts with plants that feed the insects already living here. Native perennials and shrubs attract bees, butterflies, and countless other pollinators, the same creatures that keep our native wildflowers blooming. These eight species thrive in Central Ohio's climate and soil, and they're far easier to grow than the exotic ornamentals many garden centers push.
Eight native plants that support pollinators
| Plant | Bloom time | Attracts |
|---|---|---|
| Purple coneflower | July to October | Bees, butterflies, goldfinches |
| Black-eyed Susan | June to September | Bees, butterflies |
| Wild bergamot | July to September | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
| Butterfly milkweed | May to August | Monarchs, other butterflies |
| New England aster | August to October | Bees, butterflies |
| Common milkweed | June to August | Monarchs, other butterflies, bees |
| Wild columbine | April to June | Hummingbirds, bees |
| Buttonbush | July to September | Bees, butterflies, wasps |
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This pink-to-magenta native draws bees and butterflies from midsummer through frost. It blooms reliably with minimal fussing, and goldfinches will later harvest the seeds. Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil; it tolerates drought once established.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
A workhorse of Central Ohio gardens, this golden native blooms June through September and attracts a steady stream of pollinators. It prefers sun and adapts to poor or clayey soils, making it useful in rain gardens along the Scioto.
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Also called bee balm, this aromatic perennial produces dusty lavender flower heads that hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies visit constantly from July through September. It thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates dry soil, though it can spread vigorously.
Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This orange-flowered native is essential for monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed only on milkweed. Blooming May through August, it also draws other butterflies and native bees. Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil; it dislikes wet feet and resents being moved once mature.
New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
A purple native that blooms late summer through October, when many other plants have faded. It feeds bees and butterflies during their critical fall window. Prefers moisture and full sun; can reach three feet or more.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
The other key milkweed for monarchs, with fragrant pink flower clusters from June through August. It spreads by seed and rhizome, so many gardeners give it a dedicated space. Plant in full sun; it thrives in average to moist soil.
Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Spring-blooming (April through June), this delicate red-and-yellow native flowers when early pollinators are hungry. Hummingbirds and native bees visit regularly. It tolerates partial shade and prefers humus-rich, moist soil, thriving along stream edges and in woodland gardens.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
A native shrub, not a perennial, that produces spherical white flower clusters from July through September. Bees, butterflies, and wasps all work it heavily. It prefers moist to wet soil and full sun to part shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, stream buffers, and wetland edges in the Upper Scioto watershed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What native plants attract pollinators in Ohio?
The eight above are reliable starters, but Central Ohio's native flora includes hundreds of pollinator-supporting species. Others worth planting include New York ironweed, blazing star, native mountain mint, and shrubs like elderberry and buttonbush. The key is to plant species that actually grew here before European settlement. Our guide to native alternatives covers the regional plant community in more detail.
When should I plant native perennials in Ohio?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are both good windows in Central Ohio. Container plants can go in any time the ground isn't frozen, though spring and fall plantings establish best with less summer watering. Fall planting gives roots a full dormant season to develop.
Where can I buy native plants near Columbus?
Several local native-plant nurseries operate in and around Central Ohio, and many county soil and water conservation districts host annual spring plant sales featuring stock grown from local seed. These sales are an affordable way to fill a garden, and volunteers can often advise on what grows best in your site. Check with your county district for sale dates.
Creating space for native plants doesn't require ripping out your whole garden. Start with a corner or a rain garden, plant the species that match your soil and sun, and watch which pollinators show up first. A few thoughtfully chosen natives do the work of a yard full of showy exotics. For the invasive plants these natives can replace, see our field guide to invasive plants in Central Ohio.