Trees for Bees and Other Pollinators
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. But in many areas, parasites, a lack of forage, and other factors are threatening bee health and survival.
Check out these bee-friendly trees that are good sources of food for pollinators:
Crapemyrtle
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.
Maples
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.
Liquidambar
These large, upright trees provide beautiful fall color. The flowers are inconspicuous but still attract bees. One variety is the American sweet-gum.
Black Tupelo
A fine specimen native to eastern states, this shade tree offers glorious fall color. The flowers are not showy but make prized honey.
Credit: arborday.org