Did you know that native trees are an important source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects? When most people think of bees, the non-native European honey bee comes to mind. South Carolina has more than 500 native bee species, and there are nearly 4,000 native bee species in North America. For more information on native pollinators, see HGIC 1733, Native Pollinators.
If you’re considering adding a tree to your landscape, plant a native tree that will support bees and many other pollinating insects. Not only do native trees provide nectar and pollen sources for a wide variety of insects, but they also supply cover and food sources for birds and mammals.
Another interesting fact is that flowers of different shapes and sizes attract bees with different tongue lengths. Short-tongue bees will be attracted to open flowers where they can access the nectar and pollen better than those with tubular shapes. Planting a diverse selection of native perennials, shrubs, and trees will provide a wide range of flower types to support many beneficial insects. For more information on pollinator gardening, see HGIC 1727, Pollinator Gardening.
Native Tree Suggestions
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Southern magnolia is mainly pollinated by beetles as both evolved simultaneously. Bees are not the primary pollinators but will visit to collect pollen and nectar. Not only will beetles and other insects visit the native evergreen magnolia, but there are several deciduous (loses leaves in the fall) species, such as the bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla), that will provide a conversation piece to your garden and are excellent pollinator sources. Both species bloom in late May through June.
A honey bee (Apis species) with pollen sacs visits a Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) to collect more pollen.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a deciduous magnolia that provides an excellent pollen source for beetles, bees, and other insects.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Eastern redbud is one of the first native trees to flower in the early spring, providing a rich pollen and nectar source for a wide variety of pollinating insects, especially bees.
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is one of the first native trees to flower in the spring.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Carolina Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera)
Carolina Silverbell and Two-winged Silverbell (Halesia diptera) bloom from late March to April and have beautiful bell-shaped white flowers that dangle from the branches. They are host plants for various butterflies and provide a nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.
The two-winged silverbell (Halesia diptera) is a host plant for various butterflies and provides an important nectar source for bees.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American holly has white, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in late March through April, but don’t let the small flower size fool you. When in bloom, a diverse assortment of bees will be attracted to the flowers.
American Holly (Ilex opaca) has white, inconspicuous flowers that will attract a diverse assortment of bees.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Serviceberry (Amelanchier species)
Serviceberry is a small native woodland tree with white flowers in spring followed by purple fruit in early summer. Native bees, butterflies, and beetles are attracted to the nectar and pollen. The fruit is an excellent food source for birds.
Native bees, butterflies, and beetles are attracted to the nectar and pollen of serviceberry (Amelanchier species) flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
