9/13/2023 0 Comments Wildflower bee pollen benefits![]() Radicata 0.365 3.526 Scentless Mayweed Tripleurospermum Segetum 0.609 8.333 Cat's-ear Hypochaeris Vulgare 1.077 14.783 Rosebay Willowherb ChamerionĪngustifolium 0.689 4.200 Corn-marigold Glebionis (days) Musk Mallow Malva moschata 2.274 2.232 Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra 2.058 3.112 Dandelions Taraxacum agg. I provide my reasons for recommending certain wildflowers and not others, below the tables. Viper's bugloss - Echium vulgare A superb plant, again offering nectar and pollen, and attractive to a range of bee species.īelow are the tables outlining the data in µg (micrograms). Of course, some flowers offer little of value to bees.Īdditionally, there are pollinator species which have a preference for only one or two plants (pollinator constancy), and seasonality factors are also relevant, as well as local environment. Some flowers offer an abundance of both for bees to feed on, whilst others provide only one, but in abundance. It's no secret that bees need nectar for energy which they get from the carbohydrate sugars, and pollen for lipids, protein and for maintaining good health. Selecting Wildflowers For Nectar And Pollen However, it's worth noting there are limitations to the data - for example, a number of beautiful and very beneficial wildflowers are not included, and I elaborate on a number of considerations below. Both nectar and pollen are important for feeding individual bees and for rearing larvae. ![]() Why might this data be useful? If you are considering adding wildflowers to your flower border, you might be looking for information on which to include, based on a desire to provide the maximum amount of food for bees in the form of nectar and pollen. ![]() In 2016, Hicks et al 1 published a paper, in which the average nectar and pollen reward of a number of wildflowers was compiled and presented in tables - along with other data recording and measuring a variety of factors.īelow, I have taken parts of the data and present it here to provide an overview of the average (mean) nectar and pollen reward recorded for each flower, as well as the average floral longevity (in days). Which Wildflowers Provide The Most Nectar And Pollen For Bees?
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