Functionality of Selected Aromatic Lamiaceae in Attracting Pollinators in Central Spain

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Agronomy
• Botany

Background:

• Floral margins increase pollinator abundance in agricultural settings.
• Selecting non-weedy native plants with varied blooming periods is crucial for effective margins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify efficient Lamiaceae plants for floral mixtures in Central Spain.
• To analyze floral phenology, density, and pollinator attractiveness.
• To assess the weediness potential of selected native plants.

Main Methods:

• Studied six native Lamiaceae perennial plants in a randomized block design.
• Recorded floral phenology, floral density, and pollinator visitation.
• Evaluated spatial expansion for weed potential under field conditions.

Main Results:

• Plants with higher floral density (Nepeta tuberosa L., Hyssopus officinalis L.) were more attractive to pollinators.
• Early spring and summer blooming species had limited impact on mixture attractiveness.
• Weather influenced pollinator activity: bees favored warm/dry, hoverflies favored cold/rainy conditions.
• No studied plants exhibited weedy growth patterns.

Conclusions:

• High floral density is key for attractive floral margins.
• Nepeta tuberosa L. and Hyssopus officinalis L. are promising candidates for agricultural floral margins.
• Selected Lamiaceae species are safe for agro-ecosystem implementation due to lack of weediness.