Oregon is home to 650 species of native bees, and the list is still growing. Pollinators such as bees are vital to our ecosystems, and they help our yards and gardens thrive. Bees travel from flower to flower and gather pollen and nectar. In fact, the flowers from flowering trees are one of the most vital sources of pollen and nectar for bees. As the bees make their way around your yard, they are leaving some pollen behind and pollinating your plants, trees, and shrubs. The act of pollination not only keeps your yard looking great but also helps ensure that the vegetation in your yard continues on through its life cycle.
While many people turn to planting pollinator gardens full of native flowers, trees are also a great addition to any landscape design. By planting the best trees for bees, you, too, can help support our pollinator friends, just like the team at Mr. Tree is here to support you and your trees’ needs. If you’re wondering what trees we recommend, here’s our list of the top five trees that attract bees:
1. Western Serviceberry
The western serviceberry, also known as the Pacific serviceberry, is the perfect choice for attracting pollinators and wildlife to your yard. Native to Oregon, the western serviceberry produces small clusters of fragrant, white flowers that appear from April through July. Bees are quite fond of pollen from these flowers. The tree also produces edible, sweet berries that will ripen in early summer. Donning green leaves during the summer, the serviceberry’s foliage will change to a beautiful red or yellow during the fall.
The western serviceberry does well in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. There are multiple botanical varieties, with the shortest being the ‘Regent’, which grows anywhere from four to six feet tall. The tallest is the ‘Altaglow’, which can grow to be over 20 feet in height. The ‘Northline’ variety can be anywhere from 6 to -10 feet tall, and both the ‘Smoky’ and ‘Thiessen’ varieties will grow to be about 15 feet tall.
2. Pacific Crabapple
The Pacific crabapple is the only apple tree native to the Pacific Northwest. Beautiful, fragrant pinkish-white blossoms bloom from April to May, and the small apple-shaped fruits will begin to ripen in August and September. Not only will these small trees add beauty to your landscape, but they’ll also attract wildlife like deer and birds. Even better, the blossoms are particularly appealing to mason bees. The fruit produced by the crabapple is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The green leaves change colors in the fall and take on hues of yellow, red, and orange.
Pacific crabapples thrive in full sun or partial shade. They prefer moderate to high moisture levels in sandy or loamy soils. With a slow growth rate, Pacific crabapples can reach anywhere from 15 to 40 feet tall and are quite easy to maintain. Pruning the trees in the winter will help with the size and shape of the tree.
3. Vine maple
In a forest, vine maples are known for their shrub-like shape and the way they reach and vine close to the forest floor with their long, sprawling branches that are low to the ground. But if they are incorporated into your landscape design, they’ll be small to medium trees with bushy, dense tops. While vine maples don’t produce edible fruit, they are still flowering trees. Beautiful, unique white and maroon blooms will arrive in April and May. In the fall, the leaves will put on a show of autumn colors.
Growing anywhere from 5 to 20 feet tall, the vine maple is a great-sized tree for your yard. While they can tolerate sun, vine maples do better in the shade. They require moisture and slightly acidic soil. If planted in full sun, the vine maple will most certainly require regular watering.
4. Willow
If you want to plant the best trees for bees, it’s helpful to have trees that bloom at different times during the year. Willows bloom early in the year, which makes them an ideal source of pollen and nectar for bees just coming out of winter hibernation. Though there are approximately 90 different types of willows in North America, there are six types commonly found in Oregon. A distinct feature of these trees is that they form cottony catkins, more commonly known as pussy willows, that lengthen as they mature. It’s from these catkins that bees gather pollen, whether it’s from the catkin directly or by encountering the pollen when it’s airborne.
Willows grow to be quite tall, reaching heights of anywhere from 40 to 70 feet. They do exceptionally well when planted alongside streams since they are tolerant of flooding. However, they don’t do well in shade or drought. The Scouler’s willow is one of the most common willows in the Pacific Northwest, particularly because it can thrive even when it’s away from water.
5. Western Chokecherry
The western chokecherry is a fruit-bearing shrub/tree native to Oregon. Whether you have the tree stand-alone or use a few to make hedges, the western chokecherry is a beautiful addition to any yard. The tree produces fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring, and fruit will follow shortly after. It’s very important to note that the leaves of the tree and the pits of the fruit are poisonous to both humans and pets. However, the flesh of the fruit is edible, though tart when eaten raw, and is often used in jams, jellies, and syrups.
The western chokecherry grows to be about 20 feet tall and can take the form of either a large shrub or a small tree. Regular pruning from a tree service like Mr. Tree in late winter or early spring will allow you to choose which shape you’d prefer. Chokecherries will do well in full sun or partial shade, but they do prefer a very low moisture level and well-draining soil.