Won’t they sting? Generally, no. Most of our native bees are not aggressive and will be defensive only if swatted, stepped on or otherwise significantly disturbed. Male bees don’t sting and females visiting flowers don’t have time to be interested in you. As the Pollinator Partnership advises: think of them as single moms with families to feed. Social insects such as Bumble Bees or Wasps will sting to defend their nest – but they are not looking for a fight. Be aware of nest locations and exercise caution when near them. Learn about our native insects and how to avoid disturbing their nests. THANKS TO Pollinator.org and University of Florida Dr. Jaret Daniels for advice on living with pollinators. About the Author To find pollinator plants for your area ask your local native nursery or go to www.PlantRealFlorida.org, click on Plants and use filters provided. SOME OF TARYN’S FAVORITES: Wildflowers Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) Milkweeds (Asclepias species) Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) Softhair Coneflower (Rudbeckia mollis) St. Andrews Cross (Hypericum hypericoides) Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis) Groundcover Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) Shrubs Firebush (Hamelia patens) Native Blueberries (Vaccinium species) Winged Sumac (Rhus copallinum) Saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia) Tough Bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) Trees Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) Vines Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata) TARYN EVANS is a naturalist and with her husband Terry, owns and operates Creative Garden Structures, a small consultancy, garden store and one-acre demonstration garden that specializes in helping homeowners create backyard habitat with native plants. A strong promoter of healthy pollinator habitat, Taryn is a sought-after speaker. See contact information under Creative Garden Structures listing page 22 of this guide. If we die, we’re taking you with us. All sidebars written by FANN. Like this graphic?We’ve got t-shirts and buttons. More info at PlantRealFlorida.org. www.PlantRealFlorida.org FALL 2016-2017 GUIDE FOR REAL FLORIDA GARDENERS 11
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