Planting Pollinator Friendly Gardens

What native plants are considered pollinator friendly?

The Rusty-Patched Bumble and many pollinators love legumes and need a wide variety of plants that flower from early spring to fall to provide good nutrition.

This Plant Posters and Lists Page (Heather Holm) has wonderful resources with pictures of plants for those of us that are beginning gardeners.  (Scroll down to the very bottom of the Plant posters and Lists Page).

This Northfield Plant List was generated by St. Olaf students observing which plants bumble bees use locally. It also highlights the species the rusty-patched bumble bee has been observed visiting in local gardens.

Where can I purchase Native Minnesota Plants?

The sellers listed below are those that sell LOCAL NATIVE plants. While you might find some native plants at larger outlets, many are NOT actually local. That does not mean that pollinators will not use them, but using plants that would have been historically found in this area is a choice many gardeners prefer.

Sogn Valley Farms: Offering native plant sales online for pickup/delivery. Their website has information about what native plants will work best for your soil and area. They are also selling native pollinator plant kits. Follow the link for more information. https://sognvalleyfarm.com

    • Address: 4830 360th St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
    • Phone Number:  (507) 263-3006

Blazing Star Gardens: Located in Owatonna, MN, about 40 minutes south of Northfield. Their website has an online plant store, where you can find many of our recommended pollinator plants for sale. Their greenhouse is currently open for sales, and they offer curbside and delivery options. Follow the link for more information. https://www.blazingstargardens.com/plants

    • Address: 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060
    • Phone Number: 507-402-8337

Outback Nursey: A smaller operation near Hastings, MN. They are currently open and are a great place for native trees and shrubs. The link below is for their online catalog. In-store sales are their only current option. Call or visit the website for more information. http://www.outbacknursery.com/catalog/

    • Address: 15280 110th Street South Hastings, MN. 55033
    • Phone Number: 651-438-2771

Other Plant Sale Options