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Crape myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
In the United States:
Introduced
· also called crepe myrtle, crapemyrtle
Honeybees primarily forage on crape myrtle for its plentiful pollen during the extended summer bloom, with limited nectar rewards that vary by flower color, particularly higher in white cultivars. Peak bloom aligns with mid-summer heat, offering consistent support for colonies in subtropical and warm temperate zones. Regular pruning after bloom enhances branching and flower production, but aphid outbreaks may produce honeydew that bees also collect, potentially leading to sooty mold on foliage.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | June–September |
| Duration | ~4 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |