In plant reproduction terminology, pistillate literally means, "bearing pistils." Pistillate plant parts are female: i.e., they bear ovules and produce seeds.
"Pollination" is the transfer of pollen from the stamens to the pistils. This transfer may be accomplished via wind or via insects and birds. To attract insects (such as bees and butterflies) and birds, plants have evolved strategies such as:
- Offering nectar (i.e., something that the insects and birds find tasty)
- Sporting fragrant flowers
- Calling attention to themselves with colorful flowers
Many gardeners take advantage of these strategies evolved by plants to enjoy butterflies and hummingbirds in their yards. It's all a matter of learning what plants are most attractive to these critters. For more information, see:
We find a special case with moon gardens, which are sometimes composed of flowers that are pollinated by moths, at night. But for the most part, people grow moon gardens for the sake of the flowers (i.e., being able to enjoy flowers at an unusual hour), not the moths.
