Plants for Minnesota Bees

Bees rely on flowers to supply them with the food they need to survive. Some flowers (e.g. tomatoes) provide only pollen, the main source of protein for bees. Other flowers (e.g. clovers) provide both nectar and pollen, thus providing both protein and carbohydrates.

There are hundreds of different bee species in Minnesota. Different types of bees prefer different flowers. Some of these preferences are due to the physical size or shape of the bees and the flowers. Some flowers have long tubes with nectar at the bottom. Long-tongued bees are the only bees able to reach the nectar. Other preferences are based on nutritional needs. Some bees are only able to raise their young with pollen from particular plants. These bees are called "specialists". Other bees are "generalists" and will collect pollen from a wide range of plants. 

There are also seasonal differences in the activity of different bee species. Many bee species forage as adults for only a few weeks out of the year, with different species emerging throughout the spring and summer, into early fall. The rest of the year, the young are developing in nests that are underground or in cavities. Each bee was provided with a pollen ball, a mixture of pollen and nectar, left there by their mother. They will emerge the following season. Many other bee species, including honey bees and bumble bees, are present through the entire spring, summer and early fall.

Providing a diverse array of plants will help ensure that you support a diverse array of bee species. Do your best to provide blooming flowers from April to September.

Information about listing of plants for Minnesota bees

This list is not inclusive of all plants that bees will visit in Minnesota.
These are flowers that are particularly attractive to bees and can be easily integrated into most landscapes.

Early = March to May, Mid=June to July, Late=August to September

Plants for Minnesota Bees