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Pollination is a fundamental process in the reproduction of many plants. It consists of the transfer of pollen from the stamens of a flower, which are the male organs that generate pollen, to the stigmas, where they fertilize the female cells to generate fruits and seeds. This transfer, pollination, can be done in several ways: it can be the wind or rain that transports the pollen, or it can be organisms such as birds, bats and insects. The main pollinators in nature are bees. And not only from nature: it is estimated that 30% of agricultural production, particularly that of fruits and vegetables, depends on pollination by organisms such as bees.
But pollinators are in danger. Beekeepers continue to consistently lose significant numbers of hives to a disease known as colony collapse disorder, and natural pollinators appear to be on the decline as well.
There can be many causes of the decrease in bee populations: the use of pesticides and the loss of their habitat, for example, causes with which the increase in agricultural areas dedicated to monocultures is related. There are also gardening and landscaping practices that reduce native tree species.
Bees are often seen flying over flower beds, but trees are also very important to the lives of these insects. If you want to help preserve the populations of these important organisms, when planting trees it is possible to consider choosing species that allow a better development of bees. Listed below are ten native North American tree species that can help promote the growth of bee populations.
Linden ( Tilia )
Linden trees are native to the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere but have been moved to different regions. They have a considerable size, reaching between 20 and 40 meters in height. They are deciduous and have flowers that grow in small yellow clusters, with a very intense aroma. The flowers are used to make the popular linden tea, known for its calming properties. Due to its characteristics, the use of linden trees to afforest urban areas is common.
The linden is a favorite tree for beekeepers because its nectar is irresistible to honey bees. Some beekeepers even characterize the honey they produce as linden skin. Bees and bumblebees, like other insects, are regular visitors to linden blossoms.
Magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora )
It is a tree that can reach 30 meters in height; It has dense foliage, evergreen leaves and large, highly scented flowers, which is why it is widely used as an ornamental tree. It is also very attractive to bees.
Oxydendrum ( Oxydendrum arboreum )
It is a small tree, which grows to about 10 or 20 meters in height. It is a deciduous tree with bell-shaped white flowers, widely used as an ornamental tree both for its flowers and for the beautiful colors of its leaves in autumn. Its flowers have a particular nectar that generates a characteristic honey, highly appreciated for its particular flavor.
Cherry ( Prunus spp. )
The Prunus genus includes a great variety of species, such as plums, cherry trees, peach trees or apricots; all of them produce delicious fruits and are very attractive to bees. They are low-sized and deciduous trees.
Redbud ( Cercis siliquastrum )
The redbud is a small, deciduous tree. Its flowers, very attractive to bees, are born from the buds along the small branches, the largest and even from the trunk. Some species with similar characteristics are the redbud from Canada ( Cercis canadensis ) and the redbud from California ( Cercis orbiculata ).
Crabapple ( Malus spp. )
The genus Malus contains about 35 species, including the different varieties of apple tree. They are both small trees and shrubs, all deciduous. They have different colored flowers, all very attractive to natural pollinators.
false acacia ( Robinia pseudoacacia )
Along with Sophora japonica and Gledistsia triacanthos , Robinia pseudoacacia makes up the group of three false acacias found in streets and parks in cities around the world. It is a deciduous tree that adapts to adverse conditions and is considered an invasive species; it is 25 meters high, although very old specimens can reach up to 50 meters. It is a tree that many bees frequent since they like its pollen.
Guillomo ( Amelanchier spp. )
The guillomo is one of the first trees to flower in spring. The bees delight in its white flowers and the birds with its seeds. They are deciduous trees, small, with bushy forms and that do not exceed 20 meters in height.
tulip tree ( Liriodendron tulipifera )
The beautiful yellow flowers of the tulip tree, also called the tulip tree, recall the tulips and give it its name. They grow upright and tall offering their large flowers nectar for all kinds of pollinators.
tupelo ( Nyssa spp. )
Both the black tupelo species and the water tupelo are very attractive trees for bees, which produce honey with a characteristic flavor: tupelo honey. Because the water tupelo thrives in swampy places, some beekeepers place the combs on floating platforms to obtain this special honey.
Fountain
María C. Ayuso Yuste, Adolfo F. Muñoz Rodríguez, Juana Labrador Moreno . Crop pollination . Mundi-Press Editions, 2005.
