The Benefits of Native Plants for Bees

When most people think about bees, they picture a European honeybee. Actually, as the name suggests, what we call honeybees were imported from Europe by the first settlers. There are approximately 5,000 species of native bees in North America. However, honeybees and habitat loss have endangered many of them. Native plants can help native bees survive.

Native Bee Characteristics

Native bees are either solitary or form small colonies. They tend to nest in the ground, in wood, or the pith of plant stems. Wherever they nest, they form brood chambers that have a ball of pollen and nectar in them. The bees lay an egg on the pollen/nectar ball and then seal the chamber with a cap of mud or bits of plants. One tunnel may have multiple brood chambers. When the bees finish developing, they chew through the cap and emerge.

Many species of native bees overwinter in their brood chambers and emerge in the spring. Solitary bees are very nonaggressive and rarely sting unless they are grabbed or tangled in clothing. Bumble bees will aggressively defend their nests but are nonaggressive otherwise.

What Native Bees Need

Native bees need a place to build a nest and food. In natural landscapes, bees find native plants that bloom from early spring until frost. First one species of flowers bloom and as the flowers of that species finish blooming, the next species blooms.

Native bees need water. A small water feature or bird bath can provide them with a safe place to drink.

Areas of bare earth allow native bees to dig tunnels in the ground to nest in. They also nest in trees in cavities made by beetles and other creatures. Bees may chew holes in woody stems or straw producing plants and nest there.

How You Can Help Native Bees

People tend to clear away old stems and straw, which deprives native bees of nesting areas. Old wood is removed, and our lawns cover the earth, leaving native bees few places to nest. Leaving a corner of the garden unkept with some plants and old wood can help the native bees around you. Leave some spaces of bare earth without mulch to give ground nesting bees a place to dig.

Alfalfa farmers create huge banks of mud along the edges of their fields to allow the alfalfa bee to nest. The pollination rate of such alfalfa fields is much higher than fields without a place for the bees to nest. You don’t need a large area. In addition, build or buy a bee block. It is full of tubes of different diameters that bees who build nests in stems or in wood can use. Bees only use each tube once, so you buy replacement tubes and switch them out in late spring, once all the bees in the old tubes have hatched.

Native bees also need flowers that provide the pollen and nectar they need to survive, and their broods need to grow the next generation of bees. Plant diverse flowers in different shapes and sizes. It is also important to plant flowers that will have flowers at different times of the year, from early spring to late fall. Finally, as mentioned above, bees need access to water. Most have to land to get a drink, so pebbles or a brick in a water feature lets them land without falling in the water.

Native Plants for Native Bees

Growing plants that are native to your area can benefit not only native bees, but the whole ecosystem. Birds eat the larvae of nesting bees and so do small mammals. Larger things eat those birds and animals. In addition, if you like to watch wildlife, your water feature will draw it from all over the area. Even a few native plants will help. You don’t have to rip the non-natives out but when you have a space for a new plant, choose a native.

When choosing plants for your native garden, be cautious about planting hybridized native plants. These hybrids offer less nectar, less sugar in the nectar, less pollen, and poor-quality pollen. For example, the hybrid of the native cardinal flower, Lobelia x speciose, has 20% less nectar than the native species, Lobelia. Hybrids of native plants also attract honeybees which push out the native bees.

Some native bees, especially bees that have developed to specialize in specific plants, are only active a few weeks a year. For example, squash bees evolved to pollinate squash and other cucurbits in the wild and are only active when those plants bloom. The other bees you see in your vegetable garden are usually honeybees, which are not as efficient as squash bees in pollinating squash.

Examples of Native Bee Friendly Plants

Here are a few plants native to North America that help native bees.

Elderberry Bush - TN Nursery

Elderberry

Elderberry has flowers that native bees love. It also has hollow stems that bees can nest in. Elderberry has berries that attract birds and wildlife. Finally, people use the berries to make jelly, jams, pies, and elderberry wine from them. The raw berries are poisonous to humans. Elderberry plants grow to be a shrub or a small tree, depending on the plant. It can grow to be 15 feet tall. They like to grow in wet areas.

 

 

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac - TN Nursery

Staghorn sumac grows 15-30 feet tall and forms thickets. It has green leaves that become very colorful in the fall. Female plants have yellow green blossoms followed by hairy berries that stay on the plant in the winter. You will need to plant a female and a male tree to get berries. Bees nest in the twigs of staghorn sumac. Birds and animals consume the berries in the winter when other food is scarce.

 

Wild Blackberry - TN Nursery

Wild Blackberry

Wild blackberry has canes that native bees use as nesting places. The flowers attract native bees, too. Wild blackberry has thorns that discourage predators from preying on the native bee broods inside the canes. This is one of those plants that have been hybridized to improve the plant so it meets the needs of people at the expense of native bees. Use wild blackberry plants for pollinators, not the commercial varieties.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod has bright yellow flowers on stalks that grow to six feet tall. It is a nectar-rich plant that grows in a wide range of places. Native bees love the plant. You will love it, too. Goldenrod grows best in moist, rich soils. The height of the plant depends on the moisture content of the soil it is growing in.

We Can Help

At TN Nursery, our staff can find pollinator friendly plants that are native to your area. Call us at 931.692.7325 to find native plants for your pollinator garden.

elderberry shrub

Elderberry Plant

Elderberry Plant - Sambucus The Elderberry plant is a beautiful shrub that is a great addition to any garden. Known for its medicinal properties, it features lovely white flowers and produces edible berries. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone interested in cultivating a functional garden species.  Elderberry Plant Offers Many Uses Because of their evolutionary history, elderberries are hardy almost anywhere you put them. They are also native shrub species. This shrub is highly sought after because it attracts wildlife and provides raw inputs for jams and herbal remedies. Growing And Care Instructions  It is easy to grow and care for, making it a top choice for many homeowners wanting to transform their outdoor spaces. It likes relatively dry and well-maintained soils but is adaptable, with mature shrubs surviving in sunny and shady environments, where necessary. Seasonal Benefits  These shrubs bloom during the spring and late summer, developing clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers that presage the arrival of dark purple, almost black berries later in the year. These shrubs add variety to gardens, making it more likely that pollinators will start calling the place you plant them home. Producing and Harvesting During the late summer, dark berries start to appear on the stalks. Following traditional recipes online, you can harvest these to make various syrups and jams. After the peak seasons, elderberries remain green and attractive for the rest of the year. For this reason, it can provide an attractive backdrop to most garden areas, making it a highly versatile shrub with landscaping appeal.  Sizing And Specs Most grow between 6 and 12 feet tall and develop bushy, full appearances. Many shrubs live for decades, meaning you won’t need to replant them in years to come. Discover our selection of attractive berry-producing shrubs to keep your garden stunning throughout the year, with bright white blooms in spring and fruits over the summer. Quality Plants at TN Nursery Get your elderberry plant in a single box, ready for planting in your garden. It is an Attractive shrub year-round, providing a nice touch for gardens that want an amazing shrub that will give back to the environment.

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Sumac Tree - TN Nursery

Staghorn Sumac

What Does Staghorn Sumac - Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its pinnately compound leaves and distinctive upright clusters of fuzzy, red, or white berries. It is often found in various habitats and appreciated for its ornamental and ecological value. This excellent deciduous plant is known for its unique beauty, beautiful leaves, and fall color. Its unique and highly harmonious form is a must-have for any lover or gardener. It is generally safe for humans and most animals to interact with. It can be grown outdoors to add color to your yard or kept indoors as an ornamental piece. Let's take a closer look at the physical attributes of this deciduous shrub and the benefits of owning it. What Does Staghorn Sumac Look Like This item will grow to about 16 feet tall and about 20 feet in diameter. It has yellowish flowers and a series of green leaves during the spring and summer and various colors during the fall. The primary leaves are about 10 inches long, while the flowers are two to four inches wide. Many people say that the leaves feel like the velvet of a deer's antlers, which is partially how the tree got its name. Staghorn Sumac Reproduces in Multiple Ways This plant can reproduce through seeds spread by wind or animals such as squirrels or rabbits. However, they can also create clones of themselves in which younger shoots will sprout near more mature ones. This means that you can quickly get more of these plants on your property within a matter of months. It Produces Food for Wildlife Several birds and other creatures that stick around for the winter will eat the fruit they provide. The fruit will typically remain on the tree from the late spring months until they are consumed or fall off before the start of the following spring. Therefore, you will always have something to look at, no matter what the calendar says. You can put Staghorn Sumac in your front yard to break up what might otherwise be a monotonous space. They can also be used as part of a garden or indoors to add a touch of color to your home office or other sufficiently large spaces where a plant can add charm and character. Where do they grow best They prefer bright, indirect light, and they need high humidity in order to grow. They prefer tropical and sub-tropical climates and commonly develop on tree bole or another strong substrate. Do they like lots of water They are moderately tolerant of moisture but should be watered at least once per week, but not excessively watered. If they are grown at home, they are best when misted frequently and occasionally watered when the mounting material turns slightly dry. How Do You Fertilize them Fertilize them once a month during the growing season using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. To naturally feed the plant, you could also put a little compost or banana peel in their basal fronds.

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Wild Blackberry - TN Nursery

Wild Blackberry

Wild Blackberry - Rubus Moluccanus Wild Blackberry is a thorny, woody shrub that produces small, sweet, and black or dark purple berries, often found in various habitats, including woodlands, fields, and along roadsides. They are delightful additions to any garden or natural landscape, offering many benefits beyond their fruits. These hardy and versatile plants display various attributes that make them desirable for planting and cultivating. One notable attribute is their adaptability to various environmental conditions. They are commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions, thriving in diverse soil types ranging from sandy loam to clay. Additionally, they can tolerate almost anywhere planted, making them an ideal choice for many different garden settings. Aesthetic Value Of Wild Blackberry Another appealing feature of these plants is their aesthetic value. These bushes sport lush green foliage that turns shades of red and orange in the fall, creating a stunning display of colors as the seasons change. The plants produce beautiful white or pink flowers in spring, adding further charm to the landscape. With their graceful arching canes, they also serve as excellent natural barriers or hedgerows, enhancing privacy and providing habitat for wildlife. Wild Blackberries Play A Vital Role In Supporting Wildlife Beyond their ornamental value, they have ecological importance. They provide for various animals, birds, and insects. The dense thickets they form offer nesting sites for birds, while the berries serve as a crucial source for small mammals, such as chipmunks and raccoons, as well as pollinators like bees and butterflies. Moreover, these plants contribute to soil conservation. Their extensive root systems help prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil and minimizing the risk of water runoff. Their capacity to colonize disturbed areas also aids in ecological restoration efforts, as they can help reclaim damaged landscapes. This Native Fruiting Shrub Attracts Wildlife These plants can be part of a carefully planned wildlife garden for gardeners looking to attract wildlife. Their ability to draw in birds and insects provides a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts, fostering a connection with the local ecosystem. In conclusion, plants possess various attributes that make them desirable for planting. From their adaptability to different environments and aesthetic appeal to their ecological significance and soil-conserving properties, these plants offer numerous benefits to both gardeners and the environment. By incorporating them into landscaping or wildlife gardens, individuals can create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that celebrate the beauty and functionality of nature. Scientifically known as Rubus fruticosus, is a captivating and ubiquitous plant that thrives in various natural landscapes across North America and many other parts of the world. This resilient perennial shrub belongs to the Rubus genus within the Rosaceae family and is celebrated for its profound connection to the untamed beauty of the wilderness. At 3 to 10 feet tall, the shrub boasts an intricately woven network of arching canes adorned with thorny stems. These thorns, though formidable, serve as a natural defense mechanism for the plant against herbivores and provide an added layer of complexity to its appearance. The foliage features lush, dark green leaves with serrated edges, lending the plant a dense and inviting texture. One of the shrub's most captivating aspects is its seasonal metamorphosis. In spring, delicate white to pale pink blossoms adorn the canes, exuding a sweet, subtle fragrance that attracts an array of pollinators, from bees to butterflies. As the seasons progress, these blossoms give way to the formation of tiny, green berries that gradually ripen into rich, glossy black orbs of natural bounty. Though not the focus here, the mature blackberries are a testament to the plant's role in providing sustenance to wildlife and humans. It symbolizes untamed beauty and tenacity. It thrives in various habitats, from open meadows to forested slopes, and can often be found alongside hiking trails, where its canes create natural barriers. Its presence is a reminder of nature's ability to flourish and adapt in diverse environments and an invitation to research the marvels of the natural world. With its thorny canes and fragrant blooms, the shrub stands as a testament to the intricate web of life in the wild, where every element plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Where do they grow best They prefer well-drained soils and do well under full sun but can also grow well in places with a little shade. They can be found anywhere with moderate humidity and a very slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH of about 5.5 to 7. What is the lifespan of it They can last for 15-20 years if the plant is grown under the right conditions. How fast do they grow They can grow into mature canes of 3-6 feet in height in a year. Once established can become invasive in some areas because of the fast spread through underground rhizomes.  What is the best fertilizer for them Use a balanced fertilizer to promote cane development. Also, you can use organic and nitrogen-rich fertilizers.  How to grow them from cuttings To propagate the wild blackberry through cutting, take a healthy stem of 6-8 inches during the dormant period of the plant. Place the cut end in the rooting hormone, then place the cutting in a pot filled with moist, well-drained soil. Place it in a warm area, but out of direct sunlight, until root systems have formed, and then transplant the plant to the final position.

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