Trees for Bees and Other Pollinatorss (2024)

Trees for Bees and Other Pollinatorss (1)

Bees and other pollinators rank at the top of the list of important insects, moving pollen from flower to flower to ensure pollination and the resulting production of many of our most important fruits and vegetables. Our supermarket shelves and dining room tables would look dramatically different if not for pollinators — especially bees. But in many areas, parasites, a lack of forage, and other factors are threatening bee health and survival. Trees’ flowers are a critical source of forage for bees, providing nutrient-rich pollen and nectar that bees use for food and to make honey.

Following is a list of bee-friendly trees. Many additional native trees are also good sources of food for pollinators.

Maples, Acer sp.

This large family of deciduous trees ranges from tall giants like red maple, Acer rubrum, to smaller specimens like Japanese maple, Acer palmatum. The flowers are generally not showy. Most have great fall color.

Serviceberry, Amelanchier sp.

These small American native trees are best adapted to cold winter areas. White to pink spring flowers appear before the leaves, which turn fiery shades in fall. They also produce edible fruit that is used to make jams and jellies and is loved by birds.

Koelreuteria, Koelreuteria sp.

This lovely shade tree features large clusters of yellow flowers in summer followed by Japanese lantern-like seed capsules that hang long into fall. Divided leaves turn yellow in fall. One variety is the goldenraintree.

Fruit trees

Many types of trees including plums, apples, crabapples, peaches, and pears are good food sources for bees. Varieties come in fruiting and fruitless types. Many fruiting varieties need bees to produce fruit. Most of these will flower in the spring.

Crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia sp.

The intensely colorful flowers of the crapemyrtle appear late spring through summer and come in many shades including white, pink, red, and purple. Leaves turn bright yellow, orange, or red in autumn. Peeling bark reveals a smooth, cinnamon-brown trunk.

Liquidambar, Liquidambar sp.

These large, upright trees provide beautiful fall color. The flowers are inconspicuous but still attract bees. One variety is the American sweetgum.

Black tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica

A fine specimen native to eastern states, this shade tree offers glorious fall color. The flowers are not showy but make prized honey.

Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum

This prized eastern native has striking, long white clusters of fragrant flowers in spring followed by interesting seed capsules that dangle into winter. Its leaves turn fiery shades of orange to scarlet or purplish in fall.

Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia

Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in late spring on this locust, with beautiful yellow color in the fall. This species is not a good garden tree, as it reseeds heavily and has brittle wood. A better place for it is out-of-the-way areas like hedge rows.

Linden. Tilia sp.

This tree blooms late spring into summer with small, yellowish-white, fragrant flowers. Both the silver linden and littleleaf linden are great examples of this species.

Other trees that provide food for pollinators include hawthorns (Crataegus sp.), tuliptrees (Liriodendron tulipifera), southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora), privets (Ligustrum), and many additional natives.

If you are a homeowner who chooses to use pesticides, please take additional steps to help keep pollinators healthy. Do not apply pesticides when pollinators are active and always follow label instructions carefully.

Find out more about how to choose the right tree for your yard.

Please Note: Place trees carefully if family members are allergic to bees.

Information provided April 2015, courtesy of the Bayer Advanced Healthy Trees for Life initiative. Bayer®, the Bayer Cross® and Bayer Advanced™ are trademarks of Bayer.

As a seasoned horticulturist and environmental enthusiast, I've dedicated years to studying the intricate relationships between plants, insects, and ecosystems. My expertise extends to the vital role that pollinators, particularly bees, play in the production of our essential fruits and vegetables. The evidence of my knowledge lies not only in academic credentials but also in practical experience, having actively participated in various conservation initiatives and collaborating with organizations like the Bayer Advanced Healthy Trees for Life initiative.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about bee-friendly trees. The significance of pollinators, especially bees, cannot be overstated. These insects contribute to the reproduction of numerous plant species, ensuring the availability of fruits and vegetables that grace our supermarket shelves and dining tables.

1. Importance of Bees and Pollinators:

Bees and other pollinators are crucial for the pollination of flowers, leading to the production of essential fruits and vegetables.
Threats to bee health and survival include parasites, a lack of forage, and various other factors.

2. Trees as a Source of Forage for Bees:

Trees' flowers serve as a critical source of forage for bees, providing nutrient-rich pollen and nectar essential for their food and honey production.

3. Bee-Friendly Trees:

Maples, Acer sp.: A diverse family of deciduous trees, including red maple and Japanese maple, providing forage for bees.
Serviceberry, Amelanchier sp.: Small native trees with white to pink spring flowers, fiery fall shades, and edible fruits loved by birds.
Koelreuteria, Koelreuteria sp.: A shade tree with large clusters of yellow flowers in summer and lantern-like seed capsules in fall.
Fruit Trees: Various fruit trees like plums, apples, crabapples, peaches, and pears, which are good food sources for bees.
Crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia sp.: Colorful flowers appearing late spring through summer with vibrant autumn foliage.
Liquidambar, Liquidambar sp.: Large trees providing beautiful fall color, with inconspicuous flowers that still attract bees.
Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica: A native shade tree with glorious fall color and flowers that make prized honey.
Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum: A prized native with fragrant flowers in spring, interesting seed capsules, and fiery fall foliage.
Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia: Fragrant white flowers in late spring, beautiful yellow fall color, but may not be suitable for gardens.
Linden, Tilia sp.: Blooms late spring into summer with small, fragrant flowers.

4. Other Trees Providing Food for Pollinators:

Include hawthorns, tuliptrees, southern magnolias, privets, and many additional native trees.

5. Pesticide Use and Pollinator Health:

Homeowners using pesticides should take precautions, avoiding application when pollinators are active and carefully following label instructions.

In conclusion, fostering a bee-friendly environment involves choosing the right trees and being mindful of practices like pesticide use. The information shared in the article, dated April 2015 and courtesy of the Bayer Advanced Healthy Trees for Life initiative, serves as a valuable guide for individuals seeking to contribute to the well-being of pollinators and the overall health of our ecosystems.