Pollinating insects flock to plants gardeners might think of as ‘weeds’
An eight-year study by the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme reveals that common 'weeds' like ivy, hogweed, and bramble are the most effective plants for supporting pollinating insects. These findings encourage gardeners to reconsider the ecological value of plants often removed from landscapes.
Why it matters
Understanding which plants best support pollinators is critical for biodiversity conservation in urban and suburban environments.
A red admiral butterfly on ivy. Common ivy’s autumn blooms were the most visited, the survey found. Photograph: see caption A red admiral butterfly on ivy. Common ivy’s autumn blooms were the most visited, the survey found. Photograph: see caption Insects Pollinating insects flock to plants gardeners might think of as ‘weeds’ Citizen scientists on UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme recorded insect visits to flowers during 10-minute surveys
Prefer the Guardian on Google Ubiquitous urban plants often derided as “weeds” are the most attractive to pollinating insects.
The autumn blooms of common ivy, rich in pollen and nectar, are the most visited by insects including bees and butterflies, according to an eight-year study.
The next most popular are hogweed and bramble flowers, followed by non-native buddleia, which attracts four times as many butterflies and moths as other high-scoring flowers.
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