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Blue oak
Quercus douglasii
In the United States:
Native
· also called iron oak, mountain oak
Blue oak serves as a valuable early spring pollen source for honeybees, aiding in brood stimulation after winter dormancy. As a wind-pollinated tree, it provides minimal nectar but abundant protein-rich pollen from its catkins. Peak bloom aligns with temperate spring conditions, lasting approximately three weeks; established trees are highly drought-tolerant, though seedlings benefit from protection against browsing mammals.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | March–May |
| Duration | ~3 weeks |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |