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Anon starts to believe (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/greentext@sh.itjust.works
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[–] 12 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I just and to add in here that supporting your non-native bees with clover is still worthwhile. Clovers can be a good add on if you want a traditional lawn

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  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Clover is non-native in my area. I've witnessed native bumblebees visiting clover, but they show a much stronger preference for larger forbs, both native and non-native. For one, they can't nap on clover (too small, I assume, even when allowed to grow to full size). Additionally, I haven't seen pollinators other than honeybees and bumblebees at the clover, whereas other flowers attract dozens of various species (as well as their predators, creating a fuller ecosystem).

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  • [–] 6 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    For sure native forbs can attract more. Its not an either or, but rather a both situation. Pollinator friendly Forbs where you can and clover within your turf lawn. I personally also have been adding self-heal (mild successfully) and creeping thyme (not that successfully) into my lawn. Its a move on all front situation in my yard

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago

    For sure, I didn't mean to negate your comment (more of a "yes and"). However I do think it is important in these conversations to acknowledge that clover isn't a great option for yards when it comes to supporting pollinators (native or otherwise), just a better one. That said, for folks who have to have a grass yard (for rental agreement, HOA, etc reasons), clover is a great add-in. I prefer the native self-heal myself, but it has similar purple flowers and growth pattern to the invasive creeping charlie, so clover is probably the appealing, stealthier choice of the two in many places.

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