Pollination is the result of pollen being moved from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). The result is fertilization, and the production of fruits and seeds. Some flowers rely on the wind to move pollen, while others rely on animals to move pollen.

Animals visit flowers in search of food, mates, shelter and nest-building materials. Some animals, such as many types of bees, intentionally collect pollen, while others, such as  butterflies and birds, move pollen incidentally as the pollen sticks to their bodies while they are collecting nectar from flowers. All of these animals are considered pollinators.

Worldwide there are more than 20,000 species of wild bees alone, plus many species of butterflies, flies, moths, wasps, beetles, birds, bats and other animals that contribute to pollination. North Carolina has an impressive 500 species of native bees, and 175 species of butterflies.

More than three-quarters of the world's food crops rely at least in part on pollination by insects and other animals and nearly 90% of all wildflowers rely to some extent on animal pollination. Apples, blueberries, cherries, onions, cucumbers and avocados are a few examples of pollinator produced crops.

Check out our Produce Spotlights and Pollinator Pairings at the Sanford Farmers' Market

Section contributed by Extension Master Gardener volunteer Tracie Bowers!