As part of ongoing efforts to green its campuses and support biodiversity, York has several naturalization and pollinator habitat spaces.
Examples of Plant Species
Wild Blue Lupine
Scientific name: Lupinus perennis
Indigenous name: ozhaawaashkwaabakaanibigwan(iin)
Literal translation: blue differentiated bloomers
Catchfly
Scientific name: Silene armeria
Indigenous name: miskwaabagak(in)
Literal translation: red petaled
Black Eyed Susan
Scientific name: Rudbeckia hirta
Indigenous name: ozaawaa-bashkiibigwaniins(an)
Literal translation: yellow blossom
Coneflower
Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
Indigenous name: giizisobagoons(an)
Literal translation: little petals of the sun
Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Scientific name: Coreopsis lanceolata
Indigenous name: ozaawaabigwan(iin)
Literal translation: yellow leaves
New England Aster
Scientific name: Aster novae-angliae
Indigenous name: bakwenezigan
Literal translation:
Pollinators
Bees
Bees are the most specialized and
efficient insect pollinators. Bees collect pollen and nectar from flowers to feed themselves and their larvae. At York, the Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution & Conservation (BEEc) focuses on the long-term sustainability of bees and the vital ecosystem services they provide.
Photo source: Laurence Packer/BEEc
Butterflies
Butterflies are an important part of our ecosystem. At the caterpillar stage, they serve as an important source of food for birds. As adults, butterflies play their own part as pollinators.
Birds
In North America, hummingbirds are the primary birds that play a role in pollination. Pollen is carried on both their beaks and feathers. The ruby-throated hummingbird (pictured) is the only commonly found hummingbird in Ontario.
Photo source: Daniel Thomas/CBC/Radio-Canada
Did you know?
90% of all wild flowering plants depend on pollination.
One in every three bites of food we eat relies on bees for pollination.
In April 2016, City Council showed its commitment to raising awareness of the importance of pollinators by adopting a resolution designating Toronto a Bee City (the first in Canada).
Native (or wild) pollinators exist naturally within the environment and have coevolved with native flowering plants for over 100 million years.
Learn More
Reach out to the BEEc or the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) at York University.