Native Plants
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Saturday - January 31, 2015
From: RICEVILLE, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Pollinators, Wildlife Gardens, Trees
Title: Is Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) a major nectar source for honeybees?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is the Sweetbay Magnolia a major nectar source for honeybees?ANSWER:
The Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) doesn't appear on our list of Special Value to Honey Bees, Special Value to Native Bees or Special Value to Bumble Bees from the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Indeed, on the species page under "Benefits" its Wildlife Use is listed as very low. Its nectar is listed as taken by moths and beetles. That doesn't mean that honey bees don't visit it, but it doesn't appear to be a major nectar source for honeybees—or any bees for that matter. If you are looking for a tree that will be a major source for honeybees, visit our page for Special Value to Honey Bees and use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option in the left sidebar and select "Tennessee" from the Select State or Province slot and "Tree" from General Appearance slot. You will find a list of 46 trees that grow in Tennessee that are major nectar sources for honeybees.
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