The catalpa tree is blooming in the Cherry Creek Pollinator Habitat. Northern Catalpa-Catalpa speciosa has big flowers, big stems, big pods and even bigger leaves. It is quite stunning when it is blooming. It is native to the United States and is a nice tree to have in the landscape if you have the room. There is a catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar that feeds on the leaves and bumble bees visit the flowers.
MJ Frogge
What is blooming in the Cherry Creek Pollinator Habitat in April? Today I found pasque flower, wild plum, redbud and dandelions. Yes, we have dandelions in the pollinator habitat. They are a great early blooming plant for pollinators. I found tiny native bees visiting the plants. Let a few plants remain and bloom in your habitat. Remove the dead flowers before they go to seed.
MJ Frogge
Today is Arbor Day. If you are planting a tree today or this weekend, consider planting a tree that would benefit pollinators. Trees to consider include: oak, red maple, crabapple, black cherry, American Linden, hackberry, plums and eastern redbud. If you do not have room for a tree consider planting shrubs. Shrubs that are good for pollinators are: dogwood, sumac, buttonbush, seven sons flower, elderberry and viburnum. The Nebraska Forest Service has an excellent website to help you with tree selection, tree planting directions and tree care. Visit them at: http://nfs.unl.edu/
MJ
Oak tree
Buttonbush flower.
Seven sons flower.
Eastern redbud tree.
