Glossary
Plants that produce nectar accessible to honey bees and in sufficient quantity to contribute significantly to colony food stores or surplus honey production. The most important nectar source plants vary by region and include trees (basswood, tupelo, black locust), shrubs (saw palmetto, blueberry), and herbaceous plants (clover, goldenrod).
Southeast/Florida: saw palmetto, gallberry, Brazilian pepper, citrus, mangrove, palmetto. Northeast: basswood, black locust, goldenrod, aster, buckwheat, apple. Midwest: clover (white and sweet), soybean, goldenrod, alfalfa, basswood. West: sage, star thistle, fireweed, alfalfa, citrus. Pacific Northwest: fireweed, blackberry, maple, clover.
Understanding local nectar sources is essential for beekeeping success. Each region has a unique phenology: a specific sequence of bloom times that determines when nectar flows occur. Experienced beekeepers know exactly when their local plants bloom and manage their colonies to peak in population just before major flows.
Beekeepers can improve their local forage by planting nectar-rich species on their property. The best bee-garden plants include lavender, borage, buckwheat, sunflowers, phacelia, and native wildflowers. Even a small pollinator garden near an apiary provides supplemental forage during lean periods.
When selecting plants, prioritize species that bloom during local nectar gaps. If your area has strong spring and fall flows but a summer dearth, plant species that bloom in summer: sunflowers, buckwheat, and summer-flowering native perennials.
This varies by region. Globally, clover, acacia, and citrus are the most productive honey plants by total volume. In Florida, saw palmetto and citrus are the primary honey crops. In the Midwest, clover and goldenrod dominate.
Yes, especially if you allow some plants to flower. Squash, cucumber, melon, and bean flowers are excellent bee forage. Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are outstanding nectar plants when allowed to bloom. Even a small herb garden in bloom helps local bee populations.
A single colony needs access to approximately 500 acres of diverse forage to thrive throughout the season. This does not mean the beekeeper must own that much land. Bees forage within a 2-3 mile radius, naturally accessing thousands of acres of community landscape, gardens, and wild areas.
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