The relationship between flowering plants and bees is a fascinating one. There’s no denying that bees are crucial to the success of flowering plants. After all, they’re the ones who move pollen from one blossom to another, allowing fertilization to take place. So if you’re a gardener, you may be wondering: do bees like forsythia? And is forsythia a good source of pollen for them? Read on to find out!
Is Forsythia Good for Bees?
Forsythia is an early-blooming shrub that is often thought to be a favorite of bees. While it’s true that bees are attracted to the flowers, the amount of pollen they produce is questionable.
Technically speaking, the amount of pollen in forsythia flowers is relatively low. It has been estimated that a single forsythia flower contains about 330 grains of pollen.
By comparison, a honeybee can collect up to 185,000 grains of pollen in a single day! So while forsythia may not be the best source of pollen for bees, it’s certainly not the worst.
Additionally, forsythia blooms earlier than many other flowering plants. These flowers are an important early food source for bees as they emerge from their winter hibernation.
It’s safe to say that while other flowering plants may provide more pollen, forsythia is still an essential part of a bee’s diet. They provide a bit of food early in the season when not much else is blooming.
Other Early Season Plants That Are Good for Bees
Forsythia is not the only early-season plant that is good for bees. There are several other plants that provide pollen and nectar early in the season before many other flowering plants have bloomed. Some of these include:
- Crocus
- Daffodil
- Pansy
- Violet
- Roses
These early-season blooms are a critical food source for bees as they come out of hibernation and begin to build their populations for the rest of the year. Besides the typical flowering plants that bloom during the summer months, adding early-season blooms to your garden can be a great way to help out the bees.
Benefits of Planting Forsythia for Your Garden
While forsythia may not be the best pollen source for bees, it can still be a great addition to your garden.
Forsythia is a beautiful shrub that blooms early in the season, adding color and life to your garden when it is otherwise dormant. Additionally, forsythia is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions.
While it’s true that the traditional forsythia isn’t as winter-hardy as some other plants, there are a number of new varieties that have been bred to be more tolerant of cold weather. So if you live in an area with harsh winters, don’t rule out forsythia for your garden!
Do bees like forsythia: Final Thoughts
The forsythia is a beautiful, yellow-flowering shrub that is popular in many gardens. While the plant doesn’t produce a large amount of pollen, it is still an important early-season food source for bees.
If you’re looking to add a bit of color to your garden during the early spring months, forsythia is a great option!
Related article: Is Lavender Good For Bees?