Honey bees seek out pollen in the spring
When the outside temperature rises to over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, honey bees leave the hive in search of pollen.
Bees require pollen because of its protein. Without protein, honey bees could not raise young bees and the colony would die. The collected pollen is stored in the hive for their use.
Early spring-blooming shrubs, plants and bulbs provide pollen for hungry bees. Their flowers attract honey bees through their color, scent, shape and size. While the flowers blooming in late March provide nutritious pollen, they are not a significant source of nectar.
Nectar-supplying flowers come later in the spring and throughout the summer. Here are a few examples of pollen-rich bulbs, plants and shrubs that are hardy in our USDA Zone 5.
Among spring-blooming bulbs, Snowdrops (Balanthus vivalis) are a strong source of pollen for honey bees. Originating from Eastern Europe, Snowdrops grow to about four to seven inches in height. Their white blossoms last for two to four weeks. Snowdrops provide mid-sized, elongated pollen grains that are yellowish-orange in color.
Crocus (Crocus spp) are another early spring bloomer. These bulbs spread, resulting in clumps of bright color against the stark ground. Crocus grow to about two to four inches in height with blooms that last about seven to 10 days.
Crocus pollen grains are small, round and yellow in color. Crocus is a strong pollen source for honey bees and should be planted near apiaries to supply nutritious pollen.
Hellebores (Hellebore) are an important pollen source for honey bees. These flowers bloom in early March and remain blooming for anywhere from 10 days to four weeks.
Each variety has its own appeal to honey bees. For example, Helleborus foetidus provides the best source of pollen. All varieties have small, round pollen grains that are yellow in color.
The shrub Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is an early bloomer but is a weak source of pollen for honey bees. Witch Hazel can grow to 10 to 15 feet in height. Their yellow-orange flowers have red centers, with a hint of fragrance. Their blooms last for two to three weeks, and produce small, round pollen grains that are yellow in color.
Pussy Willow (Salix caprea) is an excellent pollen source. These shrubs grow to 10 to 15 feet in height. Pussy willow shrubs are dioecious, where there are only male or female catkins on one shrub. The catkins remain in bloom for one to two weeks, with mid-sized, yellow pollen grains.Male catkins produce more nutritious and fragrant yellow pollen as compared to the female catkins. However, both male and female catkins produce nectar.To provide spring nutrition for honey bees, consider adding early spring-blooming shrubs, plants and bulbs to your garden design.Homeowners can purchase a pollen substitute powder to feed the bees. Place the powder into a small container that is protected from rain. Hang the container from a tree branch, and assure that the powder does not get wet. Provide a clean water source for bees, such as a shallow bowl with rocks on which the bees can land and drink.Penn State Extension (https://extension.psu.edu/beekeeping-honey-bees) offers information, courses and workshops on keeping honey bees, attracting bees and pollinators and native plant garden designs.Another source on planting for honey bees is the book by Peter Lindtner, Garden Plants for Honey Bees. His research on honey bee foraging resulted in rating systems for pollen and nectar sources from trees, shrubs, plants and bulbs.If you have questions about honey bees, pollinators and native plants, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, RN, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.
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