A recent peer reviewed study by Richard B. Primack, Katie Tiana, and Selby Vaughn investigated honey bees and native flower visitors across Newton, MA, observing insect activity on 391 plant species over two growing seasons. The study found that honey bees, bumblebees; and native solitary bees all visited a wide range of cultivated, native, adventive, and pollinator garden plants, suggesting that, in this urban setting, diverse floral resources may support coexistence rather than direct competition.
For designers, gardeners, and municipalities, the study reinforces that plant selections habitat diversity, and ongoing maintenance matter. Pollinator gardens were consistently visited by insects while many commonly planted ornamental species received little or no observed activity. The findings points toward practical conservation strategies like expanding pollinator gardens, reducing mowing, creating meadow / edge habitats, and limiting pesticide / herbicide use.
Click here to read the full study!
The accompanying tables also give a helpful plant-by-plant glimpse at which species received the most visits, including Joe-Pye Weed, Common Milkweed, Buttonbush, Tall Goldenrod, Mountain Mint, Ironweed, and Purple Cone Flower.