Flowering Quince

Flowering Quince – Chaenomeles speciosaYour grandmother probably had a flowering quince in her yard.  They were popular cottage garden plants back in the day.  Turns out Grandma was right – flowering quince are top-notch for honey bees.   Positively “a buzz” Read More …

Dogwood

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 …

Flowering Crabapples

Flowering Crabapples – Malus speciesHoney bees came over with the colonists in order to pollinate the apple trees that were being planted. Crabapple is in the same genus as eating apples, making them irresistible to honey bees.  Modern Crabapple trees Read More …

Hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifoliaThis 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 have exfoliating bark in light brown to cinnamon-brown Read More …

Pussy Willow

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 …