Skip to main content

🌿 Plants for Bees

Alaska Forget-Me-Not

Borealysis septentrionalis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Jun–Aug · Zones 3-8

Alder

Alnus spp.
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Feb–Apr · Zones 4-8

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
May–Sep · Zones 3-10

Alpine Forget-Me-Not

Myosotis alpestris
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Jun–Sep · Zones 3-8

Alsike Clover

Trifolium hybridum
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Jun–Sep · Zones 3-8

American Elm

Ulmus americana
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 2-9

Apple

Malus domestica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 4-8

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-8

Avocado

Persea americana
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 9-11

Azalea

Rhododendron spp.
Nectar: low · Pollen: low
Apr–May · Zones 4-9

Balsam Poplar

Populus balsamifera
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 2-7

Basswood

Tilia americana
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
Jun–Jul · Zones 3-8

Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Jul · Zones 3-8

Bebb's Willow

Salix bebbiana
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 2-6

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
Jun–Aug · Zones 4-9

Birch

Betula spp.
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 2-7

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 4-9

Black Sage

Salvia mellifera
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–Jul · Zones 8-11

Blackberry

Rubus spp.
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 5-9

Blue Gilia

Gilia capitata
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Jul · Zones 5-10

Blue Gum Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Nov–Apr · Zones 8-11

Blue bearded iris

Iris × germanica
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 3-9

Blueberry

Vaccinium ovalifolium
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 4-8

Borage

Borago officinalis
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Sep · Zones 3-10

Bradford Pear

Pyrus calleryana
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 5-9

Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Mar–May · Zones 8-10

Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Oct · Zones 3-10

Bush Honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii
Nectar: low · Pollen: low
May–Jun · Zones 3-8

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Oct · Zones 7-11

California Bush Sunflower

Encelia californica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Feb–May · Zones 8-11

California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Aug–Oct · Zones 8-10

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Mar–Jul · Zones 6-10

Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
May–Jun · Zones 4-8

Catmint

Nepeta x faassenii
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
May–Sep · Zones 4-8

Ceanothus

Ceanothus spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–May · Zones 8-10

Cherry

Prunus spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 5-8

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 2-7

Citrus

Citrus spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–May · Zones 9-11

Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Aug · Zones 8-11

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
Jun–Aug · Zones 3-9

Common Monkeyflower

Diplacus aurantiacus
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–Aug · Zones 7-10

Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Jun–Sep · Zones 3-9

Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–Jun · Zones 4-9

Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Aug · Zones 7-10

Crab Apple

Malus coronaria
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 4-8

Crabapple

Malus spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 4-8

Crimson Clover

Trifolium incarnatum
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 5-9

Crocus

Crocus vernus
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Feb–Apr · Zones 3-8

Currant

Ribes spp.
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 2-8

Cutleaf Toothwort

Cardamine concatenata
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 3-8

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–Oct · Zones 3-10

Dogwood

Cornus florida
Nectar: low · Pollen: low
Apr–May · Zones 5-9

Drumstick Primrose

Primula denticulata
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Apr–May · Zones 3-8

Dutchman's Breeches

Dicentra cucullaria
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 3-7

Eastern Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-8

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 2-9

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
May–Jul · Zones 3-9

Feltleaf Willow

Salix alaxensis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
May–Jul · Zones 2-6

Flowering Cherry

Prunus serrulata
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 5-8

Foothill Penstemon

Penstemon heterophyllus
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jul · Zones 6-10

Golden Alexanders

Zizia aurea
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-8

Golden Ragwort

Packera aurea
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 3-8

Goldenrod

Solidago spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Aug–Oct · Zones 3-9

Grape Hyacinth

Muscari armeniacum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 4-8

Haskap

Lonicera caerulea
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 1-8

Hawthorn

Crataegus mollis
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Jun · Zones 3-7

Henbit

Lamium amplexicaule
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Feb–May · Zones 3-9

Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Jun · Zones 3-8

Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 3-9

Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jul · Zones 4-9

In mid-April around Greeneville

Cercis canadensis
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Mar–May · Zones 4-9

In northern Illinois mid-April

Amelanchier arborea
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 4-9

Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium reptans
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-8

Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Coreopsis lanceolata
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–Jul · Zones 4-9

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Jun–Aug · Zones 5-9

Lilac

Syringa vulgaris
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Jun · Zones 3-7

Lowbush Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Jun–Jul · Zones 2-6

Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 6-10

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 3-7

Miniature Lupine

Lupinus bicolor
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Apr–Aug · Zones 8-9

Mountain Avens

Dryas octopetala
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Jun–Aug · Zones 2-6

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 4-9

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum spp.
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Jul–Sep · Zones 4-8

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Aug–Oct · Zones 4-8

Nootka Lupine

Lupinus nootkatensis
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Jun–Jul · Zones 3-8

Oak

Quercus spp.
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 3-9

Orange Blossom

Citrus sinensis
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 9-11

Pasque Flower

Pulsatilla patens
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 3-7

Peach

Prunus persica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–Apr · Zones 5-9

Peak dandelion

Taraxacum officinale
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-9

Pear

Pyrus communis
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 4-8

Phacelia

Phacelia tanacetifolia
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Sep · Zones 3-10

Pink Azalea

Rhododendron periclymenoides
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 4-9

Plum

Prunus domestica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 4-9

Privet

Ligustrum vulgare
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Jun–Jul · Zones 4-7

Purple Deadnettle

Lamium purpureum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 4-8

Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
May–Aug · Zones 1-7

Pussy Willow

Salix discolor
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
Feb–Apr · Zones 2-7

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Jul · Zones 4-8

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 4-9

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
May–Sep · Zones 3-9

Red Maple

Acer rubrum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Feb–Apr · Zones 3-9

Redbud

Cercis canadensis
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 4-9

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Jul–Oct · Zones 5-9

Satin Flower

Clarkia amoena
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Jun–Aug · Zones 2-11

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 3-8

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 3-9

Skunk Cabbage

Symplocarpus foetidus
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Feb–Apr · Zones 4-7

Skunk Currant

Ribes glandulosum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 2-5

Smooth Sumac

Rhus glabra
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Jun–Jul · Zones 3-9

Smooth Woodmint

Blephilia subnuda
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
May–Jul · Zones 6-8

Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
Jun–Jul · Zones 5-9

Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
May–Jul · Zones 3-9

Spring Beauty

Claytonia virginica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 3-9

Strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 5-9

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 3-8

Sumac

Rhus typhina
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Jun–Jul · Zones 3-8

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Jul–Sep · Zones 4-9

Sweet Cherry

Prunus avium
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 5-7

Sweet Clover

Melilotus spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Aug · Zones 3-9

TN

None
Nectar: None · Pollen: None
– · Zones None

Trout Lily

Erythronium americanum
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 3-8

Tulip Poplar

Liriodendron tulipifera
Nectar: high · Pollen: low
May–Jun · Zones 4-9

Vetch

Vicia spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-9

Violets

Viola sororia
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 3-9

Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 3-8

Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Jun · Zones 5-9

Western Redbud

Cercis occidentalis
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Feb–Apr · Zones 5-9

White Dutch Clover

Trifolium repens
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Sep · Zones 3-10

White Sweet Clover

Melilotus albus
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Jun–Oct · Zones 4-9

White Yarrow

Achillea millefolium
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Sep · Zones 3-9

White clover

Trifolium repens
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Sep · Zones 3-10

Wild Cherry

Prunus serotina
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-9

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-8

Wild Hyacinth

Camassia scilloides
Nectar: medium · Pollen: low
Apr–May · Zones 4-8

Wild Mustard

Sinapis arvensis
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
May–Jul · Zones 5-9

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-9

Willow

Salix spp.
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–May · Zones 4-9

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Oct–Dec · Zones 3-8

Wood Anemone

Anemone nemorosa
Nectar: low · Pollen: medium
Mar–May · Zones 4-8

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–May · Zones 3-8

Woolly Bluecurls

Trichostema lanatum
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Mar–Jun · Zones 8-10

Yellow Rocket

Barbarea vulgaris
Nectar: medium · Pollen: medium
Apr–Jun · Zones 3-9

Yellow Sweet Clover

Melilotus officinalis
Nectar: high · Pollen: medium
May–Sep · Zones 3-9

Yoshino Cherry

Prunus x yedoensis
Nectar: high · Pollen: high
Mar–Apr · Zones 5-8

and red clover

Trifolium pratense
Nectar: low · Pollen: high
May–Sep · Zones 3-9

expected to

None
Nectar: None · Pollen: None
– · Zones None

key

Primula veris
Nectar: medium · Pollen: high
Apr–May · Zones 3-7
🌱 Planting guide →
BeeAI — Ask the old beekeeper
Hey there, honey. Ask me anything about your bees.