For attracting pollinators in Charlotte, North Carolina, several native shrubs are particularly effective. These shrubs not only provide food and habitat for pollinators but also add beauty to your garden. Here are some of the best native shrubs for attracting pollinators:
1. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Description: Serviceberry is one of the earliest native plants to bloom, producing white flowers that attract pollinators. It also produces edible berries that are a favorite of birds.
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Benefits: Attracts native bees, provides food for caterpillars, and offers a splash of yellow, orange, or burgundy fall color.
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2. Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Description: This shrub is known for its spectacular foliage in late fall, with colors ranging from red to burgundy and orange. It supports the Southeast blueberry bee, which specializes in blueberries.
Description: Beautyberry bears distinctive magenta fruit in early fall, attracting songbirds. Its less showy flowers attract small native bees.
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Benefits: Adapts to sunny or partially shaded spots, looks best with an annual pruning in late winter, and provides clusters of magenta fruit.
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4. Possumhaw Viburnum (Viburnum nudum)
Description: This shrub produces white blooms in spring that attract butterflies and moths. In autumn, it has clusters of berries that change color from green to pink to blue and finally to a darker purplish blue.
Benefits: Provides a kaleidoscope of color change over the season and turns red and wine-colored in late fall.
5. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Description: Buttonbush is a multistemmed shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has round white or pink flowers that attract butterflies.
Benefits: Well-suited for shade and part shade, making it an excellent understory plant.
6. American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)
Benefits: Provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds, and its seeds are a food source for birds in the fall and winter.
By incorporating these native shrubs into your garden, you can create a vibrant and pollinator-friendly landscape that supports local wildlife and enhances the natural beauty of your outdoor space in Charlotte, North Carolina.