BEESCAPING  

Here is a useful list of the major sources of plants that provide nectar for bees in the Panhandle region of Florida. An important consideration for “beescaping” is the provision of food year-round for bee forage. Many of these trees and plants may already thrive where you live, or you may consider planting some. The bloom times for plants will vary from place to place, but generally an important nectar source for bees in one geographic area is likely to be an important nectar source in other regions. It is also important to keep in mind that bees require large quantities of nectar and even though there may be a small patch of flowers of interest to bees close to their hive, they might only visit a quantity source of nectar farther away (perhaps the amount provided by a large tree in full bloom) and pass-up the opportunity to feed on a small patch of flowers.

 

** We would like to note that this list is a work in progress and we plan to continue adding plants to this list for some time as we work with  people and learn more and more about bee friendly food sources.  This is something we will post on our web page and update regularly!! (http://apalacheebee.googlepages.com)

 

Bloom Time	Native	Edible	Ornamental
JANUARY	Red Maple
FEBRUARY	Red Maple		Dandelion
	Willow
	American Holly
	Red Bud
	Tulip Poplar
	Buckwheat Titi *
MARCH	Gallberry	Blackberry	Dandelion
	Willow	Peach
	American Holly	Citrus/satsuma
	Red Bud	Pear
	Tulip Poplar
	Buckwheat Titi *
APRIL	Gallberry	Apple	Clover
	Buckwheat Titi *	Blackberry	Dandelion
	Tupelo	Blueberry
		Peach
		Citrus/satsuma
		Kumquat
		Pear
MAY	Gallberry	Apple	Clover
	Tupelo	Blackberry	Dandelion
	Saw Palmetto	Blueberry
	Sumac	Corn
		Kumquat
JUNE	Saw Palmetto	Blueberry	Asters
	Partridge Pea	Corn	Clover
	Sumac		Dandelion
JULY	Saw Palmetto		Asters
	Partridge Pea		Clover
	Sumac
AUGUST	Partridge Pea		Asters
			Clover
SEPTEMBER	Partridge Pea		Golden Rod
			Asters
			Clover
OCTOBER			Golden Rod
			Asters
NOVEMBER		Loquat	Golden Rod
			Asters
DECEMBER		Loquat

 

Here is a list of some plants that do not provide nectar, however do provide POLLEN to the bees. Bees collect both pollen and nectar at many flowers however plants do not always have to provide both in order to have an importance to bees.

 

Grouping	Name
native	Dogwood
native	Pine
Non-native and Native	Corn and grasses
Non-native	Roses
Native	Ash, Walnuts, Pecans

 

  

There are a fair number of invasive non-native plants that are important food plants for bees. You may want to avoid planting these plants, however if you happen to live near some of these plants, you can rest assured that your bees will have a floral source.

 

Grouping	Name
Non-native invasive	Chinese Tallow
Non-native invasive	Brazilian Pepper (S.Florida mostly)
Non-native	Silk tree, Mimosa, silky acacia

 

 

Here are some plants known to be important food sources that you could consider planting in your yard or supporting their existence if they are already there! The blooming time will vary year round depending on the many varieties of these plants.

 

Grouping	Name
ornamental	Honeysuckle
ornamental	Privet
food	Persimmon
ornamental	Bee balm
ornamental	Butterfly Bush
ornamental	Crape myrtle
ornamental	Purple coneflower
ornamental	Sage
native	Yaupon Holly
native	Magnolia
food	Basil and Mints
weedy	Spanish needle (Bidens)(fall)

 

It is also important to note that there are some floral sources that you might want to avoid.  Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and what is known as white or summer Titi may have some chemistry that is toxic to bees. The presence of small amounts in your neighborhood may be no cause for concern however it is important to BEE aware that not all flowers are good for bees!!

 

For more information on Florida Bee Botany look up:     http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/AA/AA08800.pdf