Plants That Attract Bees in Colorado: The Ultimate Guide to Native Pollinator Plants

Written by Megan Banich

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a Colorado native perennial that thrives in semi-desert and foothill habitats up to 8,000 feet, producing fragrant pink flower clusters that provide exceptional nectar for bees and serve as an important host plant for monarch butterflies.

Why Are Bees So Important?

These tiny pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. As bees move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen between plants, allowing fruits, vegetables, trees, and wildflowers to grow and produce seeds.

Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining around the world due to habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, climate change, and a lack of diverse flowering plants. Because of this, it's more important than ever to create bee-friendly spaces in our backyards, neighborhoods, and communities. It is also important to know what to do if you come across a tired or struggling bee.

Bees and How They Contribute to the Ecosystem

Bees are some of the hardest-working creatures on the planet. Nearly one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators like bees. They help pollinate many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that humans and wildlife rely on.

The Issue: As natural habitats disappear and chemical use increases, bees are losing the food sources and nesting areas they need to survive. Fewer bees means fewer pollinated plants, which can affect food production, wildlife populations, and the health of entire ecosystems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpqRWlL5Hfc

Without pollinators, many flowering plants would struggle to reproduce. This would impact birds, butterflies, mammals, and countless other species that depend on those plants for food and shelter.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a drought-tolerant Colorado native wildflower that thrives up to 10,000 feet in elevation and provides an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

The Stigma

For some reason, there is a big stigma around bees, and many people are afraid of them. Here's the truth: if you don't bother bees, they usually won't bother you. Most bees are focused on collecting nectar and pollen, not looking for people to sting.

Honeybees and bumblebees will typically only sting if they feel threatened, trapped, stepped on, or if someone disturbs their hive.

Fun Fact: Honeybees don't want to sting you. In fact, only female honeybees can sting, and when they sting a person, they usually die. Their barbed stinger becomes stuck in the skin, causing a fatal injury when they pull away. Because of this, honeybees generally sting only as a last resort to defend themselves or their colony.

One of the best ways to support bees is by planting pollinator garden with a variety of native flowers that provide pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. Other ways to help include avoiding pesticides, providing nesting habitat, and spreading awareness about the importance of pollinators in your community or online.

Colorado's Unique Habitats

Colorado is home to a wide range of ecosystems, from high alpine meadows to dry plains and semi-desert landscapes. Because of these dramatic elevation changes, choosing plants that are adapted to your specific habitat is important.

Maximum elevation matters because plants that thrive at lower elevations may struggle with colder temperatures, shorter growing seasons, stronger UV exposure, and harsher weather conditions found at higher elevations.

Below are some of my favorite native pollinator plants organized by habitat.

Native Plants That Attract Bees in Colorado

Colorado is home to a wide variety of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that provide essential food and habitat for pollinators. The native plants that attract bees in Colorado have evolved alongside local bee species, making them some of the most valuable plants you can add to your landscape. By choosing native plants, you can help support biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems, and create a beautiful garden that thrives in Colorado's unique climate.

When selecting native plants that attract bees in Colorado, it is important to consider your elevation, habitat, sunlight exposure, and available water. Plants that naturally occur in your area are often more resilient, require less maintenance, and provide the greatest benefit to native pollinators.

Choosing Native Colorado Pollinator Plants by Habitat and Elevation

Giant Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a highly fragrant Colorado native perennial that thrives in foothill and montane habitats up to 9,500 feet, producing long-lasting lavender flower spikes that provide an exceptional source of nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

Before selecting plants for your pollinator garden, it is important to understand your elevation and habitat. Colorado's climate changes dramatically from the semi-desert plains to the sub-alpine mountains. A plant that thrives at 6,000 feet may struggle or fail completely at 10,000 feet.

The habitat column below will help you determine which plants are best suited for your landscape.

Habitat Definitions

Semi-Desert (4,000–7,500 feet)Hot, dry regions with low rainfall and intense sunlight.

Foothills (5,500–8,500 feet)Transitional areas between the plains and mountains with mixed grasslands and shrublands.

Montane (6,000–9,500 feet)Ponderosa pine forests, mountain valleys, and cooler growing conditions.

Sub-Alpine (8,500–11,500 feet)High mountain forests and meadows with long winters and short growing seasons.

Common Name	Habitat(s)	Max Elevation	Mature Size (H × W)	Water Needs	Sun Needs	Pollinator Value
Aspen Daisy	Montane, Sub-Alpine	9,500'	2' × 2'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Black-Eyed Susan	Foothills, Montane	9,000'	2' × 2'	Low-Medium	Full Sun	Excellent
Blanketflower	Semi-Desert, Foothills, Montane	9,000'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Blue Giant Hyssop	Foothills, Montane	10,000'	4' × 3'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Exceptional
Blue Mist Penstemon	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	1' × 1.5'	Low	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Bluebells	Montane, Sub-Alpine	11,500'	2' × 2'	Medium	Part Shade	Excellent
Boulder Raspberry	Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	5' × 5'	Medium	Part Shade	Good
Butterfly Weed	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Exceptional
Common Sunflower	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	6' × 4'	Low	Full Sun	Exceptional
Firecracker Penstemon	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,500'	2.5' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Giant Hyssop	Foothills, Montane	9,500'	4' × 3'	Low-Medium	Full Sun	Exceptional
Golden Banner	Foothills, Montane	9,500'	2' × 2'	Low-Medium	Part Sun	Good
Golden Currant	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	6' × 6'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Goldenrod	Foothills, Montane	10,000'+	3' × 3'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Harebell	Montane, Sub-Alpine	13,000'	1' × 1'	Low	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Nodding Onion	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	11,000'	1' × 1'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Pasque Flower	Montane, Sub-Alpine	9,000'	1' × 1'	Low	Part Sun	Good
Pearly Everlasting	Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Good
Prairie Clover	Semi-Desert, Foothills	7,500'	2' × 1.5'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Prairie Golden Aster	Semi-Desert, Foothills	9,500'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Prairie Smoke	Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	1' × 1.5'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Good
Prairie Sunflower	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	5' × 3'	Low	Full Sun	Exceptional
Purple Coneflower	Foothills, Semi-Desert	8,500'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Rabbitbrush	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	6' × 6'	Very Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant	Semi-Desert, Foothills	7,500'	4' × 3'	Low	Full Sun	Exceptional
Rocky Mountain Columbine	Montane, Sub-Alpine	12,000'	2' × 2'	Medium	Part Shade	Excellent
Rocky Mountain Penstemon	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,000'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Scarlet Beeblossom	Foothills, Montane	9,500'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Scarlet Gilia	Foothills, Montane	11,000'	3' × 1'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Serviceberry	Foothills, Montane	9,500'	10' × 8'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Excellent
Showy Milkweed	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	4' × 3'	Low-Medium	Full Sun	Exceptional
Silvery Lupine	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	11,500'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Smooth Blue Aster	Foothills, Montane	10,000'	3' × 2'	Low-Medium	Full Sun	Excellent
Spotted Gayfeather	Semi-Desert, Foothills	7,500'	1' × 1'	Very Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Sulphur Flower	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,500'	1' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Tansy Aster	Semi-Desert, Foothills	8,000'	2' × 2'	Very Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Western Wallflower	Semi-Desert, Foothills, Montane	10,000'	2' × 1.5'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent
Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm)	Foothills, Montane	9,000'	3' × 3'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Exceptional
Woods Rose	Foothills, Montane, Sub-Alpine	10,500'	6' × 6'	Low-Medium	Sun-Part Shade	Good
Yarrow	Semi-Desert, Foothills, Montane	10,000'	2' × 2'	Low	Full Sun	Excellent

How to Create a Pollinator Garden in Colorado

Creating a pollinator garden is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to help bees. Start by choosing a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the growing season, from early spring to late fall. This ensures that pollinators have access to nectar and pollen for as long as possible.

Spotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata) is a drought-tolerant Colorado native wildflower that thrives in semi-desert and foothill habitats up to 7,500 feet, producing vibrant purple flower spikes that provide an excellent late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Rather than planting one of each species, try grouping several of the same plant together in clusters alongside a few complementary species to create a dense, biodiverse habitat for pollinators.

Larger groupings are easier for bees and other pollinators to spot, allowing them to forage more efficiently while supporting a healthy and resilient ecosystem.

Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping Tips

• Plant a variety of native flowers with different bloom times.

• Include at least three species blooming at the same time throughout the season.

• Plant flowers in clusters rather than individually.

• Avoid using chemical pesticides.

• Leave small areas of available ground for ground-nesting bees.

• Provide a shallow water source for pollinators like rocks with divots.

• Allow some plant stems and leaf litter to remain over winter for habitat and nutrients for the soil.

• Incorporate native flowering shrubs and trees into the landscape to create a diverse food forest for bees and other pollinators.

• Support local biodiversity by prioritizing Colorado native plants and aiming to include at least five different native species in your landscape.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a drought-tolerant Colorado native wildflower and a member of the milkweed family. Often confused with Showy Milkweed, it produces vibrant orange blooms that provide exceptional nectar for bees and butterflies while serving as an important host plant for monarch caterpillars.

My Go-To Native Plants for Bees and Pollinators in Colorado

If I could only choose five plants for a Colorado pollinator garden, I would select Rocky Mountain Columbine, Giant Hyssop, Butterfly Weed, Showy Milkweed, and Yarrow. I may be a little biased since I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, but these plants perform exceptionally well along the Front Range and in many of Colorado's foothill and mountain communities.

I love these plants not only because they are beautiful and resilient, but because of the important role they play in supporting local ecosystems. Together, they provide an incredible source of nectar and pollen while attracting a wide variety of native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.

Fun Fact: Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed plants to reproduce. Female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed, and once the caterpillars hatch, milkweed is their primary food source. Without milkweed, monarch caterpillars cannot survive. While there are many species of milkweed, plants like Showy Milkweed and Butterfly Weed provide critical habitat that helps support monarch populations throughout their life cycle.

Bee showing signs of possible pesticide poisoning, including disorientation and an inability to fly normally.

How Can I Tell if a Bee Has Been Poisoned?

It can be difficult to know for certain, but bees exposed to pesticides often show unusual behavior. Signs of possible pesticide poisoning include:

• Spinning in circles or moving erratically

• Trembling or shaking uncontrollably

• Inability to fly despite moving their legs

• Falling onto their back repeatedly

• Dragging their legs or appearing partially paralyzed

• Large numbers of dead or dying bees in the same area

A tired bee is usually still coordinated and may simply be resting on a flower, leaf, or the ground before flying off again. A poisoned bee often appears disoriented, unable to move normally, or incapable of flying.

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to reverse pesticide poisoning. If you suspect a bee has been poisoned, you can gently move it to a safe location away from additional chemical exposure and provide a nearby source of flowers or a small drop of sugar water on a spoon or leaf. However, recovery is not always possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants attract the most bees in Colorado?

Some of the best bee-friendly plants in Colorado include Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, Giant Hyssop, Wild Bergamot, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Showy Milkweed, Yarrow, Prairie Clover, Blanketflower, and Goldenrod. However, the best plant for your landscape will depend on your elevation, habitat, sunlight, and water conditions.

Refer to the table above to find the plants best suited for your specific location and growing conditions. Many of the plants listed as having Exceptional or Excellent pollinator value are among the top choices for supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects in Colorado.

Are native plants better for bees?

In most cases, yes. Native plants evolved alongside native pollinators and often provide more suitable nectar, pollen, shelter, and habitat than non-native ornamental plants.

Why are bees important?

Bees help pollinate many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and wildflowers that support both human food systems and natural ecosystems. Without pollinators, many plants would struggle to reproduce.

What should I do if I find a tired bee?

In many cases, all a tired bee needs is a safe place to rest. If it still appears weak, offering a small drop of sugar water nearby may help provide the energy it needs to recover.

Get Help Choosing Native Plants That Attract Bees in Colorado

Every property is unique, and the best pollinator plants for your landscape will depend on your elevation, soil conditions, sunlight, water availability, and goals. If you'd like help selecting native plants that attract bees in Colorado or designing a pollinator-friendly landscape, I'd be happy to help. Visit my website to schedule a one-on-one consultation and let's create a beautiful landscape that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and biodiversity for years to come.