Bumble bee-friendly Trees and Shrubs
Bumble bee-friendly Trees and Shrubs
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) is officially on the endangered species list, along with the grizzly bear, the northern spotted owl, and 700 other species that are likely to become extinct. According to an article by Maria Hakki for I Heart Intelligence, the rusty patched bumble bee, native to eastern North America, is a vital pollinator. Without them, food wouldn’t grow. With a simple Google search, you will find many lists of plants that are great for attracting bees, but not many of these lists are specific to bumble bees. Take this a step further – you’ll be hard-pressed to find Bumble bee-friendly Trees and Shrubs.
Bumble bee-friendly trees
- Fruiting and ornamental varieties of apple, cherry, plum, and pear
- Willows (Salix)
Bumble bee-friendly shrubs
- Viburnums
- Barberry (Berberis)
- Cotoneasters
- Japanese andromeda (Pieris)
- Escallonia
- California lilac (Ceanothus)
What else can you do?
The USFWS recommends a variety of efforts to help the rust-patched bumble bee, including growing a garden, using native plants, providing natural areas, and limiting the use of chemicals and pesticides.
Not only will your efforts help the endangered rusty patch bumble bee, but all other pollinators will also be helped, as well!
Additional resources about pollinators
- S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service
- Pollinator Partnership
- Pollinator Conservation Resource Center
Have questions about the trees and shrubs in your landscape?
Contact a qualified arborist in your area like Johnson OPS tree care, not only can they help you identify your existing trees and shrubs, but they can also recommend new plantings that will work well given the light, soil, and hydration conditions of your landscape.
Call Johnson Ops Tree Care for an evaluation of your landscape at 608 526-6297
