Pollinators

San Diego is the most biologically rich county in the United States. The county’s diversity of plants and animals depends on the work of pollinators. Pollinating insects and animals help plants reproduce by sharing genetic material between flowers—often over large distances. Pollinators move genetic information in the form of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma, which fertilizes the flower’s ovules. The pollinators mutually benefit from this process by enjoying nectar and pollen as a source of nutrition.

Native plants support pollinators
In the San Diego region, hundreds of plants have evolved special traits to attract sometimes just one or only a few species of butterflies, bees, birds and even bats! The design of this park supports pollinator habitat by incorporating many San Diego native flowering plants.

CARING FOR POLLINATORS

You can plant your own pollinator garden, ideally using California natives like the two species pictured above. Aim for a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year. Consult local nursery professionals or the link provided by the QR code below to find out which plants will grow best in your area while supporting a variety of pollinators. Make sure the plants you are buying are grown without the use of harmful pesticides. If you don’t have space for plants, you can leave a bowl of water full of marbles or pebbles so pollinators can simply stop for a drink. Another way to help pollinators is to buy produce and products grown without the use of pesticides.

Hillemuuy

Bees

The most efficient pollinators are bees and bumblebees. San Diego County has the most diverse bee population in the contiguous United States with over 650 native bee species, like the one pictured here. When bees forage for pollen and nectar, pollen gets trapped in the hair on their bodies. As bees move from flower to flower, they both collect and distribute pollen.

Meskaallyap

Butterflies and Moths

Like bees, they collect pollen on their legs. They also use their long tongue to reach the nectar inside tubular-shaped flowers. Like the monarch pictured here, many native pollinators are perfectly adapted to just one host plant. With its myriad of microclimates and diversity of native habitats—most of them under threat—San Diego is home to several of the rarest butterflies in California.

Ashaa

Birds

Hummingbirds also harvest nectar with their long tongues. Many birds eat the seeds of plants, helping to distribute them over large distances when they deposit the seeds in their droppings. The seeds will then germinate in a new location when exposed to water. This helps to reduce competition between neighboring plants.

Milyaapan

Bats

Because bats are nocturnal, many plants have evolved pale-colored flowers with tall stalks and distinct scents that help attract bats during their evening hunting hours. Mexican long-tongued bats (pictured left) can reach nectar inside agave flowers up to a third of the length of their bodies! Bats also help to distribute plants’ genetic material when the hairs on their face and body pick up pollen.

Mathaa

Wind

The wind is responsible for pollination as well. As the wind blows through plants, pollen is picked up and carried across large distances. Small, lightweight seeds can also be carried by the wind.