What Do Scottish Honey Bees Forage on in May?
Updated: 17 hours ago
In May, Scottish bees have access to a variety of flowering plants that provide abundant sources of pollen and nectar. We have been watching the weight in our hives increase with the help of our new remote sensors. The bees are bringing in plenty of forage and building up stores. So whats on the menu?
The main sources of May forage in Scotland
Some of the biggest sources of pollen and nectar for Scottish bees in May include:
Wildflowers: Scotland's diverse landscape is dotted with wildflowers that bloom profusely in May. Species such as bluebells, primroses, cowslips, dandelions, and buttercups are common sights in meadows, woodlands, and along roadsides, providing essential forage for bees.
Fruit Trees: May is a crucial month for fruit tree blossoms in Scotland. Apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees burst into bloom, offering bees a rich source of pollen and nectar. Orchards and gardens filled with fruit trees become buzzing hubs of activity for bees during this time.
Oilseed Rape: While controversial due to its impact on the landscape, oilseed rape fields in Scotland provide a significant source of nectar for bees in May. The bright yellow flowers of this crop attract bees in large numbers, making it an important food source, especially in rural areas.
Heather: Scotland’s familiar ling heather, Calluna vulgaris, normally flowers later in summer rather than providing a major May crop. Earlier-flowering garden heathers can still offer useful forage, but fruit blossom, dandelion, hawthorn and oilseed rape are generally more important to honey bees in May.
Herbaceous Perennials: Many herbaceous perennials come into bloom in May, providing bees with a diverse array of flowers to forage from. Plants such as foxgloves, lupins, aquilegia, and campanula are popular choices in gardens and parks and attract bees with their colorful blooms.
Hedgerows: Hedgerows are important habitats for bees, providing a continuous source of flowering plants throughout the year. In May, hedgerows burst into bloom with flowers such as hawthorn, blackthorn, wild roses, and elderflowers, all of which are highly attractive to bees.
Garden Flowers: Many garden flowers begin to bloom in May, offering urban bees a source of food in residential areas. Bee-friendly plants such as lavender, catmint, borage, and marjoram are popular choices for gardeners and provide abundant nectar and pollen for bees.
By planting a diverse range of flowering plants that bloom in May, gardeners can help support Scottish bees by providing them with essential sources of pollen and nectar during this critical time of year.
Related reading and useful links
Questions people often ask about bee forage in May
What flowers do honey bees forage on in May in Scotland?
Important May forage includes dandelion, fruit-tree blossom, hawthorn, sycamore, oilseed rape and a changing mixture of garden and woodland flowers. What dominates depends on the weather and the landscape around each apiary.
Is oilseed rape good forage for honey bees?
Oilseed rape can provide a large, short-lived flow of nectar and pollen. Beekeepers watch colonies closely because the pale honey can granulate rapidly in the comb once the flowers finish.
What can I plant for bees in May?
Choose overlapping flowers rather than a single crop. Hardy geraniums, catmint, alliums, borage and suitable fruit trees can help, while allowing some dandelions and other useful wild plants to flower adds variety.
Comments