Native Bees and Butterflies: Key Pollinators in California

California hosts around 1,600 native wild bee species, with many unique to Southern California. Unlike honey bees, about 70% of these native bees nest alone in the ground or small plant cavities rather than in large hives. They are naturally gentle.

To support native bees vital for natural landscapes, plant buckwheat, native sages, and California poppies. Buckwheat provides nectar and serves as a larval host for many regional butterflies like the bramble hairstreak, gray hairstreak, and acmon blue. It is easy to grow and drought-tolerant, making it excellent for attracting pollinators.