Increasingly native plants have been used to support pollinators in the landscape, but consumers and conservation groups want the best plants to support these organisms. Native plants are primarily sold as cultivated varieties (cultivars), which have been questioned for their ability to support as effectively as “straight species”, plants that have been unaltered from their natural form. Dr. Jessica Lubell-Brand and Jacob Ricker have directed research towards pursuing the answer to this question. Six native shrub species and cultivars at the University of Connecticut native shrub planting are being measured for pollinator visitation. Over ten groups of pollinators are being assessed to find potential similarities or differences among the straight species and their varieties in an attempt to encompass as much diversity as possible. This Saturday, August 18 Tower Hill Botanic Garden presentation from 1 – 2 will entail a summary of the results of two complete seasons of research at the shrub planting. Free with admission to the garden. For more information visit www.towerhillbg.org.

Jacob earned his BS in 2016 at the University of Connecticut, where he is now in his second year of his Masters Degree in Plant Science working in the lab of Dr. Jessica Lubell-Brand.