While there is increased concern for the lowly and yet the mighty honey bee, apis mellifera, at the same time there is increased destruction of the worker bees' habitat. Large scale farming, recently in the drive for profits, has plowed up more and more land, ripped out more stands of trees and replaced them with crops such as corn and soybeans.
The problem with corn, and to a lesser extent soybeans, is that as a cereal grain, like grasses, is pollinated by the wind. No bees needed and their pollen, an essential nutrient for honey bees, is not food available for them.
As for soybeans which do flower and are pollinated by a wide variety of insects, the honey bee doesn't figure large in that number. Researchers theorize why, but are still uncertain as to the avoidance of this particular crop. There is some perception that honey bees will visit soybean fields, but it is also thought that they do not prefer them when other forage is available.
Most know that bees however love flowers! They do, and they work certain flowers heavily for both nectar which provides carbohydrates to the bees and pollen which is their protein.
Few people are aware that many species of trees are very important to bees for both nectar and pollen! If you keep bees or if you want to feed bees, consider trees in your landscape.
A list of important trees for bees in the mid-west United States:
Willows, all types, including the French Pussy Willows
Sumac, all types
Elm, all types,
Oaks
Ash
Tulip
Linden, all types
Fruit trees, all types
Nut trees, all types
And more...
The problem with corn, and to a lesser extent soybeans, is that as a cereal grain, like grasses, is pollinated by the wind. No bees needed and their pollen, an essential nutrient for honey bees, is not food available for them.
As for soybeans which do flower and are pollinated by a wide variety of insects, the honey bee doesn't figure large in that number. Researchers theorize why, but are still uncertain as to the avoidance of this particular crop. There is some perception that honey bees will visit soybean fields, but it is also thought that they do not prefer them when other forage is available.
Most know that bees however love flowers! They do, and they work certain flowers heavily for both nectar which provides carbohydrates to the bees and pollen which is their protein.
Few people are aware that many species of trees are very important to bees for both nectar and pollen! If you keep bees or if you want to feed bees, consider trees in your landscape.
A list of important trees for bees in the mid-west United States:
Willows, all types, including the French Pussy Willows
 |
| Bee working a Linden tree in bloom. |
Elm, all types,
Oaks
Ash
Tulip
Linden, all types
Fruit trees, all types
Nut trees, all types
And more...
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