In the United States, there are over 4,000 species of native bees. These pollen gatherers visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar for food for themselves and their young. Bees have very high-energy needs. Bees need resources such as pollen and nectar from a variety of flowers. They need water, in addition to nectar.
Bee Flowers are typically:
- Full of nectar
- Brightly colored with petals that are usually blue or yellow or a mixture of these (bees cannot see red)
- Sweetly aromatic or have a minty fragrance
- Open in daytime
- Provide landing platforms
You may want to plant a bee garden or modify your existing garden to attract bees that occur in this area. By selecting the best bee-rewarding native plants, you can attract beneficial pollinating bees and other creatures to your flower and vegetable gardens or backyard fruit orchard.
Why use native annual and perennial wildflowers which naturally grow in this region? These plants developed here over many years and are adapted to the growing season and local climate and soils. They often require less water, fertilizer and pesticides than showy exotics and hybrids. The native wilflowers will also provide our bee visitors with more pollen and nectar since hybrid plants often do not produce pollen. Once you have provided your garden landscape with attractive and rewarding bee plants, there are a few other things to keep your bees healthy. All bees require places to hide from predators, to locate and court a mate and establish their nests.
They need you to help keep them safe from predators, parasites and
chemical insecticides. If you find you must use chemical
pesticides, try to do so late in the day, after the bees have gone home for
the evening. Use the least toxic pesticides, and only use spot applications.
For more information on responsible use of pest management, see Module 7: Integrated Pest Management.