Top Five Native Plants for Counting Pollinators for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census
(Updated: Feb. 20, 2026, 5:34 a.m.)
In late summer, when the relentless heat of August makes many gardens seem tired, a quiet but crucial shift happens. This is a critical time for pollinators, as they gather the last bits of nectar and pollen to sustain their young through the coming winter. This is one of the reasons why the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC) is held every third or fourth weekend in August.
The GSEPC is a community science project in North Carolina and other southeastern states. Its goals are simple yet impactful: create sustainable pollinator habitats, generate valuable data for scientists, and increase public awareness about the insects in our communities. Participating is easy for anyone, even if you are just a casual observer of the bees and butterflies in your yard. The next Census will take place on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, 2025.
By understanding which plants attract which pollinators, you can select plants that will bring a wider diversity of insects to your garden and provide a long bloom window, so you get even more insect visitors. Here are some of the most popular native plants that have been visited by insects during past North Carolina census events.
Joe-pye weed, Eutrochium dubium, being visited by bumblebees. Photo by Amanda Bratcher
Joe-Pye Weeds and Bonesets (Eupatorium and Eutrochium ssp.)
These fluffy roadside wildflowers are pollinator magnets. Ranging from one to fourteen feet tall with white to pink or purple fuzzy flowers, they make a bold statement in any native plant garden. There is a species for almost every spot in your yard, from dry to wet, and full sun to full shade. They are especially popular with bumble bees, small bees, and butterflies, particularly swallowtails.
Purple Hyssop, Agastache- Photo by Amanda Bratcher
With about 22 species, most native to western North America and Asia, hummingbird mints are a fantastic addition to any garden. North American native species, with their tubular flowers, prefer drier soils and are hummingbird magnets. The Asian species tend to attract more bumble bees. Agastache plants are also drought-tolerant and prefer full sun. Though they can be short-lived, they are worth growing for the sheer number of bees they attract.
Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower- Photo by Amanda Bratcher
Many people are familiar with the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a staple of cottage gardens. However, in the last 20 years, a wide variety of new cultivars have been introduced to the horticulture industry. While there seems to be a coneflower for every size, shape, and color, not all of them thrive in North Carolina gardens, and some are not as good for pollinators. In August, past Census data shows they primarily attracted honey bees, wasps, and butterflies.
Rudbeckia fulgida, Black-eyed Susan- Photo by Amanda Bratcher
This diverse group of popular wildflowers features bright yellow petals and dark centers. According to previous North Carolina Census data, these plants are especially popular with small bees, wasps, and butterflies. There is a Rudbeckia for every garden taste, from the robust giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) with its large blue leaves, to the prolific brown-eyed susan (Rudbeckia triloba), and the popular garden classic Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum'.
Mountainmint, Pycnanthemum- Photo by Amanda Bratcher
Mountainmints are a must-have for a pollinator-friendly landscape. They are a veritable buffet for wasps and bees of all kinds. Don't be deterred by the wasps—they are beneficial for pest management and typically won't bother you while they are feeding on the minty nectar. There is a mountainmint for every yard, from the aggressive spreader Pycnanthemum muticum to the gentle, narrow-leafed mountainmint (P. tenuifolium).
Get Out There and Count—Whatever's in Bloom!
You don't need one of these August blooming powerhouses to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. You can participate anywhere there is a plant in flower with insects landing on it. Simply download a datasheet, observe a plant for 15 minutes, make a tally mark for each insect type every time it lands, and then upload your data to the census website. It's a simple act that provides vital information for scientists trying to understand pollinator-plant interactions.
We hope you'll take a moment for pollinators during the Great Southeast Pollinator Census weekend, Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, 2025. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps protect these essential creatures and the ecosystems they support.
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Amanda Bratcher is the horticulture agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center. You can reach out to the office at 919-775-5624 for more information or questions regarding this article, but also any other questions about your garden, farm, land or plants! We’re here to help! You can check out our website's events page (for print: https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/events/) for more information and to register for upcoming programs.
This article originally appeared in The Sanford Herald. You can read more articles from the Herald here: https://www.sanfordherald.com/.
