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    Gardening For Honeybees

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    Indiana Public Media News
    The document provides guidance on creating a garden to attract honey bees and native bees. It recommends including plants that provide abundant, overlapping blooms from spring to fall to be a worthwhile food source for bees. Diversity in pollen and nectar sources is important, as is avoiding pesticide use. Specific plant traits, types of plants, and cultural practices are outlined to help bees. A list of over 100 tree, shrub, perennial, and agricultural plant species is included, along with their bloom times and whether they provide nectar and/or pollen. Maintaining records of plant bloom times and bee activity can help expand the garden in a bee-friendly way.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Gardening For Honeybees

    Uploaded by

    Indiana Public Media News
    322 views5 pages
    The document provides guidance on creating a garden to attract honey bees and native bees. It recommends including plants that provide abundant, overlapping blooms from spring to fall to be a worthwhile food source for bees. Diversity in pollen and nectar sources is important, as is avoiding pesticide use. Specific plant traits, types of plants, and cultural practices are outlined to help bees. A list of over 100 tree, shrub, perennial, and agricultural plant species is included, along with their bloom times and whether they provide nectar and/or pollen. Maintaining records of plant bloom times and bee activity can help expand the garden in a bee-friendly way.

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    Gardening For Honeybees

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    The document provides guidance on creating a garden to attract honey bees and native bees. It recommends including plants that provide abundant, overlapping blooms from spring to fall to be a worthwhile food source for bees. Diversity in pollen and nectar sources is important, as is avoiding pesticide use. Specific plant traits, types of plants, and cultural practices are outlined to help bees. A list of over 100 tree, shrub, perennial, and agricultural plant species is included, along with their bloom times and whether they provide nectar and/or pollen. Maintaining records of plant bloom times and bee activity can help expand the garden in a bee-friendly way.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    322 views5 pages

    Gardening For Honeybees

    Uploaded by

    Indiana Public Media News
    The document provides guidance on creating a garden to attract honey bees and native bees. It recommends including plants that provide abundant, overlapping blooms from spring to fall to be a worthwhile food source for bees. Diversity in pollen and nectar sources is important, as is avoiding pesticide use. Specific plant traits, types of plants, and cultural practices are outlined to help bees. A list of over 100 tree, shrub, perennial, and agricultural plant species is included, along with their bloom times and whether they provide nectar and/or pollen. Maintaining records of plant bloom times and bee activity can help expand the garden in a bee-friendly way.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 5

    Gardening for Honey Bees

    By Kathleen M. Prough
    Indiana DNR, Div. of Entomology & Plant Pathology

    You dont need a large property to start a garden to attract honey bees, or native bees.
    Take a piece of the lawn that gets 5 to 6 hours of sunlight and turn it into a garden. Think big
    and start small. Start with a few plants and add more each year. Increase the garden area each
    year with more plants or propagate the ones you have. If you run out of garden space start giving
    plants or seeds to neighbors.
    When starting the garden strive for several things:
    Abundance- Clump plants so the bees can find and visit many flowers in one location.
    This provides a worthwhile food stop! Coneflowers in a large clump will
    attract honey bees and all types of native bees and butterflies.
    Sequence Plant for bloom succession. You need a succession of overlapping blooming
    from spring to fall. Learn when specific plants bloom so you get a good
    overlap.
    Diversity - Select plants that will provide pollen as well as nectar. Bees need diverse
    pollen and nectar sources for balanced diet. Dont forget trees and shrubs
    that can provide pollen and nectar.
    Pesticide use - If possible, do not use pesticides! Insecticides can kill beneficial insects as
    well as the insect you are trying to kill. Herbicides may kill plants
    (dandelions and Dutch white clover) that bees can get pollen and nectar
    from. So, do not go for that perfect lawn with no weeds in it.
    Plant traits that may attract bees:
    Flower color- bright white, yellow, blue or UV
    Flower shape- shallow, have a landing platform, tubular, single flower top
    Nectar guides present- guides the bees into the plant
    Nectar is present- usually fresh, mild and a pleasant smell
    Pollen- often sticky and scented
    Observe the bees closely to learn the plants from which they collect nectar and pollen.
    Introduce these into your garden. Try some native plants. Know if cultivated plants are hybrids.
    Some hybrids have been bred for flower size and no longer provide nectar or pollen for bees.
    Learn the plants preferred soil type (wet/dry, acid/neutral), how much sun or shade they need,
    and hardiness zone for the plant. Know how tall they get so they do not overpower shorter
    plants. Some plants may need room to spread and some require precautions so they do not get
    out of control.
    Keep records of dates when plants are in bloom, what time a day you see bees on the
    plants, what you see the bees getting- pollen or nectar. Know also what other plants are in the
    area that the bees can forage. Drive around and notice when the trees and plants are blooming.
    The following pages list plants that may attract honeybees and native bees. Start out with
    a few of these plants and add others as you build your garden. Add bushes in the back of the
    garden. Small trees may be included in the garden. Large trees are better planted somewhere
    else in your yard. There are a few bee plants that will grow in the shade, but most are sun-loving
    plants.

    Page 1 of 5

    Pollen and Nectar Plants of Indiana


    The following list of nectar and pollen plants is not all-inclusive.
    Some plants may not grow well in certain areas due to climate or water needs of plants.
    Abbreviation meanings:

    N = Nectar source
    NA = Native plant

    P = Pollen source
    I = considered invasive or a weed

    Trees
    Blooms
    Alder (Alnus incana)
    March
    American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)
    May - June
    Apple (Malus spp.), fruit and crabapple varieties
    April-May
    Basswood (Tilia americana), Also called Linden
    June
    Black Locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia)
    May June
    Chokeberry (Aronia sp.), Black or red chokeberry
    May - June
    Catalpa (Catalpa spp.)
    May - June
    Chestnut (Castanea dentata)
    May - June
    Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
    April May
    Elm (Ulmus spp.)
    March April
    Hawthorn (Crataegus spp)
    April May
    Hazelnut (Corylus spp.)
    March April
    Honey locust (Gleditsia triancanthos)
    May June
    Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata)
    June July
    Korean Evodia or Bee-bee tree (tetradium daniellii) June - August
    Maple (Acer spp.)
    March April
    Oak (Quercus spp.)
    March - April
    Pear (Pyrus spp.) Fruit tree- P.communis
    April May
    Persimmon (Diospyros viginiana)
    May June
    Prunus spp., Plum, Cherry, Peach
    April May
    Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
    March - April
    Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
    April
    Sumac (Rhus spp.)
    March - June
    Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
    April May
    Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
    May June
    Walnut (Juglans spp.)
    April May
    Willow (Salix spp.)
    March - April

    additional information
    P
    P, NA
    N, P
    N, P, NA
    N, P, NA, I
    N, NA
    N, P, NA
    P
    N, P, NA
    P, NA
    N, P
    P
    N, P
    N
    N
    P, NA
    P, NA
    N
    N
    N, P
    N, P
    N, P, NA
    N, P, NA, I
    P, NA
    N, P, NA
    P
    N, P

    Shrubs & Brambles


    Boxwood (Buxus microphylla)
    Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
    Blackberry & Raspberry (Rubus spp.)
    Blue Mist Bush (Caryopteris x Longwood blue)
    Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
    Butterfly Bush (Buddleia spp.)
    Clethra, Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
    Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
    Devils-Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)
    Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)
    Holly (Ilex spp.)

    Additional Information
    N
    N
    N, P
    N
    N, NA
    N, I
    N
    N, P
    N
    P
    N, I
    N, P

    Blooms
    March April
    May June
    May June
    July September
    June July
    July September
    July August
    May June
    July August
    June-July
    April
    April June

    Page 2 of 5

    Pussy Willow (Salix spp.)


    Redvein Enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus)
    Rose (Rosa spp.)
    Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
    Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

    March April
    May - June
    June September
    April May
    May June

    N, P, NA
    N
    P
    N, NA
    N

    Perennials, Annuals for Gardens


    Blooms
    Additional Information
    Ageratum (Eupatorium spp)
    June- September
    N
    Allyssum (Lobularia maritima)
    June September
    N, P
    Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
    July frost
    N, NA
    Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
    May June
    P
    Asters (Aster spp.)
    September frost
    N, P, NA
    Smooth Aster, New England Aster, Woods light blue
    Autumn Joy (Sedum spectabile)
    August September
    N, P
    Basil (Ocimum spp.)
    June - September
    N
    Beardtongue/foxglove (Penstemon digitalis)
    June
    N, NA
    Black -eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
    June July
    N, NA
    Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
    July August
    N, NA
    Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
    June
    N, P, NA
    Boneset (Eupatorium spp.)
    August- September
    N, P, NA
    Joe-Pye weed, white snakeroot
    Borage (Borago officinalis)
    June Frost
    N, P
    Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
    July August
    N, NA
    Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
    July August
    N
    Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
    May
    N
    Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa)
    June August
    N
    Canola (Brassica napus L.)
    May June
    N, P
    Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)
    August September
    P
    Catnip/Catmint (Nepeta cataria)
    June September
    N
    Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
    May September
    N, P
    Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
    May June
    N
    Crocus (Crocus vernus)
    March April
    P
    Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
    June - August
    N, P
    False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
    July August
    N, P
    Germander (Teucrium canadense)
    June - September
    N, NA
    Giant Hyssop (Agastache sp.)
    July August
    N, NA
    Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro or bannaticus)
    August
    N
    Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
    September October N, P, NA
    S. caesia, S. canadensis,
    Grape Hyacinth (Hyacinthus muscari)
    April
    N
    Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
    April
    N, P
    Lambs Ear (Stachys byzantina)
    May
    N
    Lavender (Lavendula spp.)
    June September
    N
    Leopards Bane (Doronicum cordatum)
    April May
    N, P
    Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
    May
    N
    Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia grandiflora)
    August-September
    N
    Mints (Mentha spp.)
    July September
    N, I
    Mustard (Brassica spp.)
    April June
    N, P
    Mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
    Page 3 of 5

    Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)


    Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia ful. var. fulgida)
    Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
    Parsley (Petroselium spp.)
    Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)
    Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
    Purpletop Vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
    Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
    Russian sage (Perovskia artiplicifolia)
    Salvia (Salvia spp.)
    Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
    Speedwell (Veronica spp., V. spicata, V. longifolia
    Spider flower (Cleome spp.)
    Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
    Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)
    Thyme (Thymus spp.)
    Valeriana/garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis)
    Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
    Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
    Agricultural crops

    July - September
    July October
    June September
    July August
    June September
    July - August
    July Frost
    June July
    July September
    May June
    August September
    May - June
    August- October
    June September
    May June
    June - July
    June July
    May June
    August - October
    Blooms

    Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)


    July August
    Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
    May June
    Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
    August- September
    Fruit trees (apples, peaches, pears, plums)
    April-May
    Soybean (Glycine soja)
    July October
    Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)
    May June
    Sweet corn (Zea mays)
    June July
    Pickles (Cucumis spp.)
    June - August
    Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.)
    July Frost
    Melons (Cucumis melo), Cantaloupes & Muskmelons June frost
    Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
    June August
    Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
    June July

    N, NA, I
    N
    N
    N
    N, P
    N, NA
    N
    N
    N
    N, NA
    N, NA
    N
    N
    N, P
    N, P
    N.
    N, I, NA
    N
    N
    Additional Information
    N, P
    N
    N, P
    N, P
    N
    N, P
    P
    N, P
    N, P
    N, P
    N
    N, P

    Other Plants Bees may Visit


    Blooms
    Additional Information
    These plants may be seen in prairie/native planting or open cropland. Some are considered
    weeds to lawn and agriculture. They may not be ideal for a home garden.
    Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum)
    Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.)
    Blue Weed (Echium vulgare)
    Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
    Bronze Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
    Cat-Tail (Typha latifolia)
    Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
    Chick weed (Stellaria media)
    Culvers Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
    Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

    May July
    June August
    June August
    July August
    May- June
    July
    July August
    April July
    June August
    July September
    Page 4 of 5

    N, P
    N, I
    N
    N, NA
    N, P, I
    P
    N
    N, P, I
    N, NA
    N, P, NA

    Dandelion (Taraxicum officinale)


    Figwort (Scrophularia spp.)
    Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
    Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
    Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
    Horsemint (Monarda fistulosa)
    Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
    Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
    Mallow (Malva alcea fastigiata)
    Marsh milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
    Mountain Blue (Centaurea montana)
    Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
    Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
    Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)
    Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
    Smartweed (Polygonum spp.)
    Wild Mustered (Synapis arvensis)
    White Dutch clover (Trifolium repens)
    White Sweet clover (Melilotus alba)
    Yellow Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)
    Tickseed (Bidens spp.)
    Vetch (Vicia spp.)

    March October
    June - September
    July - October
    March April
    July
    July - September
    July October
    July - October
    June - September
    July August
    August frost
    August frost
    June July
    July
    June August
    August September
    April - June
    June August
    May August
    May August
    June - October
    June July

    N, P
    N, NA
    N, NA
    N, I
    N
    N, I
    N, NA, I
    N, NA, I
    P
    N
    N, I
    N
    N, NA
    N, NA
    N
    N, P, I
    N, P, I
    N, I
    N, I
    N, I
    N, P, NA, I
    N, P, I

    Other information on plants for bees & wildflowers:


    Gardening for Native Bees in North America: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=12050
    Illinois Wildflower: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/
    Reference:
    Dirr, Michael A. (1990). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Their Identification, Ornamental
    Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign Illinois: Stipes Publishing Company.
    Pellett, Frank C. (1947). American Honey Plants. New York: Orange Judd Publishing Company.
    Phillips, Ellen & Burrell, Colston C. (1993). Rodales Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials. Emmaus,
    Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.
    Tew, James E. Some Ohio Nectar and Pollen Producing Plants, Fact Sheet HYG-2168-98. Wooster, OH:
    Ohio State University Extension.

    Page 5 of 5

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