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It takes an astonishing two million flowers to produce one pound of honey . It ’s no wonder bees are always so fussy ! But another understanding bees stay busy is that they can be pretty picky . There aresome flowers they just ca n’t stand , like marigold and geranium . But how do bees feel about widow’s weeds ? Do bees like dandelions ?
Yes , bee do like dandelions and will chatter them often when they ’re available . However , they may not be the most nutritious source of pollen and ambrosia . allow a few dandelions to grow in your curtilage gives your local bees more forage options .
Why are bees attracted to dandelions?
Like other bee favorite , such as daisies and zinnia , dandelion are open - faced . They give bees a place to block off and rest their wings as they collect pollen and nectar . That ’s a major marketing point from the bee ’s perspective , who will sometimesfly up of 5.9 international nautical mile ( or 9.5 kilometers)away from their hive to notice food .
Another thing that blowball have working in their favour is that they blossom very early in the spring . They ’re among the first flower to open . blowball also have a recollective blooming period , so they go on blooming throughout the summertime , even when other flower are done bloom or are just start to bud out . So one of the reasons why dandelions attract bees is that , sometimes , they ’re the only flowers around !
Dandelions produce a muckle of pollen , as allergy - sufferer know all too well . Even though bees do n’t habituate pollen to produce honey , it is a valuable source of protein for them . Of course , dandelions also bring about ambrosia , which beesdouse to make honey . And , unlike long , vasiform flowers , such ashoneysuckle , the ambrosia in dandelions is easy for beloved bees to get through .
Are dandelions good for bees?
dandelion are actually a pretty mediocre germ of nutrition for bee , even if they do like them . They miss several indispensable amino group acidsthat bees need to persist healthy . When you couple up this with the fact that they also phlebotomise valuable nutrient from the soil , away from ornamental plant and veggie garden , it ’s not difficult to see why so many people uproot them .
As we touch on a minute of arc ago , during periods when dandelions are among only a small smattering of flowers that are flower , then they can be a valuable beginning of protein for bee . Only when no other options are available do blowball become nutritious , and even then , it ’s purely by nonremittal .
When you get in good order down to it , dandelions are good than nothing . But they ’re certainly not the best source of nutrition for bees . If you need to better the wellness of your local bees , there are much dependable bloom to choose from ( more on that in a minute ! ) .
Should you leave dandelions for the bees?
As long as your bee have a wide variety of other flower to peruse , dandelions are a safe foraging option for them . So if you have a lot of dandelion in your yard , do n’t occupy , they wo n’t harm the bees ! Allowing a few dandelions to continue spring up in your yard impart bees a chance to browse . And that ’s a good affair because bees are forager , so they love to buzz from prime to blossom .
Many other types of wildlife are attracted to dandelions , too , like deer , squirrels , and rabbits . And , once the dandelion go to seed , they can attract a variety of birds , including dunnock , blackbirds , and goldfinches . So if you ’re an zealous wildlife enthusiast as well as a bee - lover , consider entrust a few dandelions right where they ’re rooted .
Now , while it ’s dead safe to get out dandelions for the bees , do n’t feel that you have to go away them in your M if you do n’t want to ! If you do n’t like the way those dandelion look , commit them up . Or , best yet , gather them to make delicious Camellia sinensis , soup , and salads . Dandelions may not have much to bid bee , but they ’re highly nutritious for human being ! Dandelions helpimprove digestionandboost immunity . Pretty telling for a trivial 1000 weed , huh ?
Which flowers can you use to attract bees instead of dandelions?
If you ’re quick to give dandelions the boot , go for it ! But if you want to keep your region bees happy , be sure to replace those pesky weeds with a few viable alternatives . For best results , select flower that bloom in early spring and midsummer , when pollen and nectar sources are limited .
Calendula , lilies , and violas are all former bloomers that bee love to feed on . Borage ( also known as starflower ) in picky is a fantastic choice because it’sa bash hit with dear bee . If you keep domesticated bees , be trusted to implant plenty of these flowers near your hive boxes to back up love yield !
Fruit trees also blossom ahead of time in the spring . Have you ever visited a fruit plantation when the trees are blossom ? They practically vibrate with the buzzing of hungry little bees ! Pear trees , peach trees , cherry tree , and apple tree diagram are terrific for attracting bees , and the more trees you have , the better ! So , if you have room for them , consider planting a few yield trees in your backyard to appeal bee and other pollinator .
As for flower that blossom in midsummer , you have several bee - favourite blooms to choose from . Lavender is practiced because it ’s easy to find and super low-down - sustentation . Other midsummer blooms bees love include black - eyed Susans , globe thistle , and the competently call Melissa officinalis .
One summer bloom that deserve a special reference is thesunflower . These plants bloom for long menstruum during the summer , providing nutrient for the bees when other flowers have die back . They ’re also anexcellent author of vitamin due east , making them a much respectable option for bee than dandelions .
Bees do like blowball , but these weeds are not a critical part of their regular dieting . Whether you make up one’s mind to will them on your lawn or pull them up and put away them on the compost pot , bees wo n’t put up either way of life . Just be certain to establish a variety of other flowers that bees love , and these pollinators will carry on to visit your garden !
