Minnesota’s Top 5 Deciduous Trees for Bees

While there are countless species of trees you could plant in your yard, these top five Minnesotan deciduous trees for bees are both beautiful and beneficial. From pollinating around one third of the food we eat and many of the plants we use for textiles, medicine, housing, and more, a bee’s role in the eco-system is essential. Unfortunately, their population has been steadily declining due to loss of habitat and food sources, pesticides, disease, and climate change. To help protect the pollinators, you can make the conscious decision to plant these deciduous bee-friendly trees that provide the nutrients they need and bring beauty to your yard.

While there are many trees for pollinators, these deciduous trees can help the 400 known native Minnesotan bee species and bring color to your yard all throughout the year. So without further ado, here are the top five best trees for bees that will also brighten your yard:

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

As an early blooming tree, red maples provide pollinators a fresh source of nutrients which is essential after the long winter. In the spring, red maples grow bright red flowers that attract the bees. Though these flowers are replaced by green foliage in the summer, its stunning red appearance returns in the fall as the foliage turns color.

2. Golden Weeping Willow (Salix alba tristis)

While all weeping willows have small yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring – making them great bee-attracting trees – it’s the beautiful foliage coloring that makes the golden weeping willow stand out. Come fall, the light green coloring of its cascading leaves turns into a golden yellow that will brighten up your yard. 

3. Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)

With large clusters of white, rose-like flowers blooming late in the spring, downy hawthorn is a great nectar source for Minnesota pollinators. Not only do the spring flowers make it one of the many trees that attract bees, but they will also catch your eye. By the time fall rolls around, the leaves of downy hawthorn turn a vibrant collection of yellow and bronze.

4. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

As a late spring bloomer, the northern catalpa’s large, orchid-like flowers allure pollinators. Their unusual bell-shaped flowers are white with orange and purple stripes, making them a stunning addition to your home’s spring decorations.

5. Showy Mountain Ash (Sorbus decora)

Named showy for a reason, the showy mountain ash is a late blooming tree that produces large clusters of white flowers. These eventually turn into vibrant red berries that remain on the tree through the winter. Though the show doesn’t end there. As fall approaches, the showy mountain ash leaves also turn bright red, leaving a stunning addition to your yard, regardless of the season.

With these top five Minnesotan deciduous trees for bees, you can support our local pollinators and boost the appearance of your yard. To learn more about which tree will work best for your home, schedule a consultation for our plant health care services. Our certified arborists can help you determine which tree will thrive within your yard’s soil so you and the bees can enjoy your trees all year long.