What they do
Borage-family native wildflowers add steady nectar and pollen and help make a garden feel “alive” with pollinator activity.
Plant profile
Borage family natives
Family Boraginaceae (native genera)
Native plants in the borage family (Boraginaceae) include tough, bee-friendly wildflowers that can fit into gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers. They’re a simple way to add more nectar and pollen through the growing season while keeping your planting low-fuss.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Borage family natives
Aliases
Borage family natives
Native Range
Native species occur in parts of North America; choose species native to your local area in and around Toronto.
Bloom window
Varies by genus; often late spring through summer
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Borage family natives (family Boraginaceae) can be a smart choice when you want lots of pollinator visits without needing a huge garden. Many species offer clusters of small flowers that keep opening over time, which helps your patch stay useful across weeks rather than just a few days.
If you’re planting at a school or home, focus on two things: light and drainage. A sunny, well-drained spot (or a container with drainage holes) is often the easiest path to success. In the first season, your main job is simple—keep weeds from crowding young plants and water during extended dry spells.
Because this is a whole plant family, the best next step is to pick a specific native species that fits your site. If you’re unsure, start small: one plant in a pot or a small bed, observe how it does, then expand from there.
Best role for pollinators
Pollinator patches, school gardens, sunny borders, and container plantings that need reliable, pollinator-friendly blooms
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Borage family natives |
| Bloom window | Varies by genus; often late spring through summer |
| Typical height | Varies by species; often low to medium height |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies, Flies |
| Light & moisture | Usually best in sun to part sun with well-drained soil; avoid constantly soggy spots. |
| Best roles for pollinators | Pollinator patches, school gardens, sunny borders, and container plantings that need reliable, pollinator-friendly blooms |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Light, decent drainage, and a little patience while roots establish.
One best action
Start with one native borage-family plant in a sunny spot (even a pot) and keep the area pesticide-free.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Native borage-family wildflowers are a practical way to add pollinator-friendly blooms without needing a large space. Their clustered flowers can provide repeated foraging opportunities as new blooms open over time.
Many borage-family plants bloom in clusters, so new flowers keep opening as older ones fade—like a slow-release buffet for visiting insects.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Small flowers can still make a big difference when they’re clustered and bloom over time.
- Native wildflowers are easy to mix into existing gardens without a full redesign.
- A few well-placed plants can turn a plain corner into a pollinator stop.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Borage-family natives can look different from one genus to another, but a few clues show up again and again.
Leaves
Often simple leaves; some species have a slightly rough or hairy feel. Leaf shape and texture vary widely by genus.
Flowers
Small, often five-part flowers in clusters; may appear star-shaped or tubular depending on the species.
Fruits
Varies by genus; many produce small, dry seeds or nutlet-like fruits.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open woods and edges
- Meadows and prairie-like openings
- Dry, sunny slopes or well-drained sites (species-dependent)
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch or schoolyard habitat strip
- Sunny border filler among taller wildflowers
- Rock-garden style areas with good drainage
- Containers and raised beds (choose compact species)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Because this is a plant family, bloom timing depends on the exact species you choose.
Bloom Season Role: Fills in the “everyday nectar” role with many small flowers that open over time.
Seasonal benefits
- Adds dependable bloom when many gardens have gaps
- Pairs well with early and late bloomers for a longer season of support
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Most do best with plenty of light; part sun can work if the site isn’t too shaded.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is a common preference; avoid heavy, constantly wet ground.
Moisture needs
Water regularly at planting time; once established, many species handle normal dry spells better than soggy soil.
Planting method
Plant in spring or fall when conditions are mild. Give each plant enough space for airflow and to reduce weed pressure.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch to reduce weeds, but keep mulch off the crown of the plant to prevent rot.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a spot with good light and drainage (or use a container with drainage holes).
- Remove weeds and loosen the top layer of soil.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, then firm soil gently around the roots.
- Water in well, then keep soil lightly moist for the first couple of weeks.
- Add a thin layer of mulch to reduce weeds, keeping it away from the stem base.
Seasonal care
- Weed around young plants so they don’t get shaded out.
- Water during long dry stretches in the first season; avoid frequent shallow watering.
- Deadhead (remove spent flowers) if you want a tidier look; leave some seedheads if you want natural reseeding where appropriate.
- Cut back old stems after they finish, or leave some structure until spring if you prefer a more natural look.
What not to do
- Planting in a low spot that stays wet after rain.
- Overwatering because the plant looks “wild” and you assume it needs extra care.
- Letting weeds take over in the first season.
- Using pesticides to deal with minor leaf damage.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Native spring ephemerals (local species)
- Early-blooming native woodland edge flowers (local species)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Native coneflowers (local species)
- Native penstemons (local species)
- Native milkweeds (local species)
Late-Season Bloom
- Native asters (local species)
- Native goldenrods (local species)
This page covers a plant family, not one species. For best results, choose a specific native species from the borage family that is appropriate for your exact site (sun, soil, and space) and locally native in your area.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see when shopping for or planting native wildflowers.
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.