Flowering plants, whether herbaceous perennials, annuals, shrubs or trees, are delightful to the senses. We are drawn to their clusters or punctuations of color in delicate or robust shapes, varied textures and subtle or bold scents. Insects and birds are also drawn to flowering plants. Flowers provide nutritious and tasty nectar that insects and hummingbirds need for energy to fly, reproduce and ensure the health of future generations. Flowers often develop seeds that are a vital source of food for birds, humans and other animals.
The shape and color of a flower or inflorescence is usually an indicator of the type of insect that will be attracted to it. Bees love purple and yellow flowers, especially those of the Asteraceae family. Butterflies do not seem to be partial to flower colors. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red and to any flower that is tubular. Of course the long beaks and tongues of hummingbirds and the flexible proboscis of butterflies and moths can reach into many tubular flowers that store nectar deep within. Lines, ridges and folds in flower petals help guide insects, like a plane on a runway, towards areas of the flowers that guarantee maximum connection with grains of pollen, that will be transported to other flowers, thereby increasing chances of pollination.
As insects, birds and other animals go about their business of survival, they ensure the survival of many other species including humans beings, by pollination. Food crops and other plants and trees often depend on the dispersal of seeds by birds, rodents and other creatures. Every nut-carrying frantic squirrel is adding to the survival of oak trees by the many acorns that are buried and are meant to be later dug up by absent-minded furry nuts. Every squawking blue jay that lands on a city windowsill with a beak full of nut seeds ensures the survival of many interconnected species.
Below is an assortment of plants that I've been growing in the Memorial Garden and other areas in the R.L Clinkscales Community Garden and Playground in Harlem. Please note that some of these images were found online.
Buddleia davidii is a non-native and often considered an invasive shrub. Apparently butterflies do not distrust immigrants as they flock in multitudes to feed on the numerous tiny flowers on long panicles. I do not plan to exclude this plant from my garden palette anytime soon.
Foeniculum vulgare is another non-native and if left unchecked, it will seed prolifically. This short lived-perennial is also a host plant of black swallowtail caterpillars. Black swallowtails are fond of yellow-flowering umbiliferous plants. Fennel, dill, parsley, celery and Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander) are among their favorites.
Towards the end of summer when many flowering plants are past their peak, pollinators are rewarded with a special treat of nectar and pollen from asters and goldenrods. These perennials are essential to the survival of many species that need energy to fuel their long migration to warmer lands. Monarchs gorge themselves at stop-over points along their way to Mexico. Like New Yorkers, other pollinators brace themselves for the winter cold. Most will not have access to food for months and honker down to avoid freezing winds. Asters and goldenrods provide food that will take sustain butterflies through the hibernation period.
Last November I was thrilled to find Salvia elegans (pineapple sage) with its bright red tubular flowers, still going strong in the Memorial Garden. I bet hummingbirds and other pollinators were equally delighted.
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