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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Tenielle Jordison

Growing these 5 plants in your yard is one of the worst things you can do for pollinators, according to a professional ecologist – why they cause more harm than good, and what to plant instead

Worst plants for pollinators.

When everything is in bloom in the spring and summer, it's a joy for us gardeners to watch wildlife enjoy our flowers just as much as we do. Pollinators buzz between plants to feed on nectar and collect pollen, reminding us our backyards are a vital resource for them. However, it would be a mistake to assume any and all flowers are beneficial to these critters. In fact, there are some worst plants for pollinators that should be avoided if you intend to create a pollinator-friendly patch in your garden.

Plants for pollinators are typically those rich in nectar and with open flowers that make it easy for bees, butterflies, and others to access. By comparison, the worst plants for pollinators aren't such a rich source of nectar, the pollen may be toxic, and the flowerheads tend to be a bit more complex for them to navigate.

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