Glossary
Decode the Jargon with our GLOSSARY
Author: Phil Frank
White water kayaker
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Pussy Willow, Goat Willow – Salix caprea
Pussy Willow, Goat Willow – Salix caprea Large shrub/small tree, 10-20’ tall and wide. Blooms in March. 2 star nectar, 4 star pollen source for honey bees. Bumble, mining and sweat bees; wasps, syrphid and tachinid flies also visit the Read More …
Mahonia
Mahonia – Mahonia speciesWe start off 2016 with one of my favorite evergreen shrubs for early nectar and pollen sources. Two species of Mahonia are commonly grown in our area – the native, Mahonia aquifolium and the non-native Mahonia bealei. Read More …
Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifoliaOakleaf hydrangea is one of my favorite plants! This beautiful native shrub has a full, rounded shape. The oak-like leaves start out dark green and turn a rich red to burgundy in the fall. Older stems Read More …
Bulbs – Snowdrop, Winter Aconite, Crocus
Bulbs – Snowdrop, Winter Aconite, Crocus Many of the minor bulbs bloom very early in the year and provide critical first pollen and nectar sources for honey bees. Since they bloom before the trees leaf out and are very small, they Read More …
Flowering Crabapples – Malus species
Flowering Crabapples – Malus speciesHoney bees came over with the colonists in order to pollinate the apple trees that were being planted. This month, we highlight the Crabapple, which is in the same genus as eating apples, making them irresistible Read More …
Corneliancherry Dogwood – Cornus mas
Corneliancherry Dogwood – Cornus masThis underutilized native can be grown as a multi-stemmed large shrub or single-stemmed small tree, growing 20-25’ x 15-20’. The bright yellow flowers open on naked branches in March for a spectacular show! The red fruit Read More …