Wisconsin Pollinator Friendly Native Trees

Pussy Willow, Salix discolor, pollination by bees The numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss ofcommercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices.

The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well. It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat; we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world.

Considerable focus has been place on adding native grasses and forbs to support pollinators, but trees also provide nectar and pollen. Consider the incredible quantity of nectar produced by a tree in bloom. Now consider the compounded effect of many trees blooming in strategic sequence throughout the growing season. Trees can provide excellent food for honey bees and many other pollinators, your top choice should always be regionally appropriate. A tree that’s comfortable in its environment is much more likely to be a healthy tree.

Many native trees blossom in early spring, like the Pussy Willow, providing sources of pollen for hungry, early-emerging pollinators.

The following chart provides a list of trees native to our area that can provide support to native pollinators. Consider adding these plants to your pollinator garden plan. The chart indicates the blooming sequence of each of the species.

Botanical Name	Common Name	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP
Acer rubrum	Red Maple	•	•
Amelanchier arborea	Downy Serviceberry	•	•
Aronia melanocarpa	Black Chokeberry			•	•
Catalpa speciosa	Northern Catalpa			•	•	•
Cercis canadensis	Eastern Redbud		•	•
Cornus sericea	Red Twig Dogwood			•	•	•
Lindera benzoin	Northern Spicebush	•	•	•
Malus pumila	Native Apple		•	•	•
Morus rubra	Red Mulberry			•	•	•
Physocarpus puulifolius	Common Ninebark			•	•	•
Prunus americana	American Plum			•	•
Prunus pensylvanica	Black Cherry			•	•
Rhys glabra	Smooth Sumac				•	•	•	•
Salix discolor	Pussy Willow	•	•	•
Sambucus canadensis	Common Elderberry			•	•	•
Sassafras albidum	Sassafras	•	•	•	•
Tilia americana	American Basswood		•	•	•
Vaccinium angustifolium	Lowbush Blueberry		•	•	•	•
Viburnum prunifolium	Blackhaw Viburnum		•	•	•	•

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