Common Plants to Attract California Native Bees ID Cards

California's rich and diverse ecosystems provide a home to an impressive array of native bees, boasting nearly 1600 different species. To support the conservation of these essential pollinators, we present a practical and informative pocket-sized card set. This resource aims to assist individuals in selecting appropriate plant species for their gardens or landscapes, thereby fostering year-round bee populations.

The card set offers detailed insights into native plants and a curated selection of non-native plants, carefully chosen to facilitate bee-friendly environments. From blanket flower to yarrow, California poppy to California lilac, this guide covers a range of species that have proven attractive to native bees. Additionally, it includes comprehensive information on six sage varieties, which are particularly significant to these pollinators.

Each plant profile within the card set provides essential details, such as common, genus, and family names, along with valuable insights on the plant's most frequent bee visitors. Furthermore, it highlights the floral resources available, including nectar, pollen, or both, facilitating an understanding of the plants' role in supporting bee nutrition. Bloom time, plant dimensions (height and width), general descriptions, and cultivation tips are also included to guide gardeners in their selection process.

In addition to plant-specific information, this resource covers valuable strategies to attract bees. It delves into essential considerations such as garden design, suggesting optimal soil types that best suit plant growth and cater to ground nesting bees. Furthermore, the guide addresses specific bee nesting requirements and provides insights on identifying suitable bee houses.

Designed as a companion to the card set "Common Bees in California Gardens," this resource is spiral-bound and printed on durable, laminated paper measuring 3-1/2" x 5-1/4". Its robust design ensures durability and facilitates field use, even under challenging conditions.