[Pollinator] Best early bee plants for California

[Stephen Pryor]

After years of trials, the best six annual species for the early season in central and coastal California are,
Phacelia tanacetifolia, Tansy phaceliaPhacelia ciliata, Great Valley phaceliaPhacelia cicutaria, Caterpillar phacelia or Scorpion phaceliaEschscholzia californica, California poppyCollinsia heterophyla, Purple chinese houses / shadeNemophila menziesii, Baby blue eyes / shade
Sow single species per orchard middle because they all mature at different times.  Maintain at 1.5 feet to keep annual grasses from over growing the wildflowers  Only mow to the ground after seed set and shatter, which is well before almond harvest.  The only species that may require reseeding are Collinsia and P. cicutaria.The Phacelia ciliata will be the first to bloom in December.The best early perennials are California Redbud, Madrone, various species of Manzanita and various species of Ceanothus.  There are perennial bush lupine species to consider also.  Several species of native sages may work also, ie. black sage is very important in chaparral communities.
From: bonnielore at comcast.net
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 11:17:41 -0500
To: LadAdams at aol.com
CC: pollinator at nappc.org
Subject: Re: [Pollinator] Shared from BBC News - Bees favorite plants	identified

Let's remember that the plant species that attract bees in Europe,are not likely the same in the  United States.  
Native bee populations were thriving long before Europeans (also my ancestors) came toNorth America and long before lavenders were planted in our gardens.
One size does not fit all and each region of the United States is likelyto enjoy a unique suite of bee-attacting plants appropriate for gardens.
We still have a lot to learn,Bonnie L. Harper-LoreRestoration Ecologist

On Oct 18, 2013, at 8:40 AM, LadAdams at aol.com wrote:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24543815 
 
 
Laurie Davies 
Adams
Executive Director
Pollinator Partnership
423 Washington St. 
5th Fl.
San Francisco, CA 94111
T: 415.362.1137
F: 415.362.0176

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