Spring is COMING!!!!
I have compiled a list of plants that will significantly help bees. But before I get to that, let me take a moment to explain the two types of things that honey bees are looking for; Nectar and Pollen!
What is the difference?
Nectar is a sugary substance that feeds the plant and any excess flows out from the blooms. Bees collect this nectar and this is what bees use to make honey.
Pollen is the reproductive substance used in plants to produce fruit. Bees are vital to pollinating as they move from flower to flower. Bees collect pollen to store in their hive for a later date where they will mix the pollen with the honey to produce royal honey.
Fun Fact: Bees will visit the same type flower in a day. This means if they start collecting from a lavender bloom, they will continue to seek and collect from lavender for that day.
Trees
- Apple - source of nectar and pollen; blooms April - May *
- Sweet Cherry - source of nectar and pollen; blooms April - May *
- Buckeye (Horse Chestnut) - - source of nectar and pollen; blooms April - June *
Shrubs
- Flowering Currant - source of nectar and pollen; blooms April - May *
- California Lilac - source of pollen; blooms April - May
- Butterfly Bush - source of nectar; blooms May - October
- Lavandin - source of nectar; blooms June - August *
Perennials
- Dandelion - source of nectar and pollen; blooms March - October *
- Rosemary - source of nectar and; blooms April - June
- Creeping Thyme - source of nectar; blooms May - August
- Blackberry - source of nectar and pollen; blooms May - September *
- Sage - source of nectar; blooms June - August
- Garden Mint - source of nectar; blooms May - October
- White Clover - source of nectar; blooms June - September *
- Globe Thistle - source of nectar; blooms July - August
- Oregano - source of nectar; blooms
Annuals
- Baby's Breath - source of nectar; blooms July - August
- Sunflower - source of nectar and pollen; blooms August - October
* Top Plant for Honey Bees