Spring Bee Trees
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Missouri’s native Eastern Redbuds in bloom. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
“Charlotte, why are most of the bee trees spring ones? Don’t bees need nectar and pollen the rest of the year?” - Paul
Spring Bee Trees
Hi Paul, the climate - temperature, wind, humidity - determine when our bees in Missouri collect nectar and pollen. In general, it’s when temperatures are between 74F and 86F, a period that is becoming more erratic in spring but used to span mid-April to mid-July.
There are a number of excellent spring trees for bees including Eastern Redbuds (in photo). Some of the first trees to offer bees food include Witch hazel, some willows, maples. black locust - depending on where you are located in Missouri.
If you are new to beekeeping and providing bees food, start with native trees. They will have a better chance of living and thriving in Missouri growing conditions.
