The tree species below are great for bees and other pollinators. Please note the list below contains both native and non-native species so be careful where these are planted – non-native species should not be planted outside of gardens. Download Wild Oxfordshire's 'Trees for Bees' list for more information.
Goat willow (Salix caprea pendula ‘Kilmarnock’)
A weeping variety of the all-important goat willow, grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, which grows to a maximum height of only 2.5m. You can even grow it in a pot, as long as it gets plenty of water. Flowering period: March to April.
Judas tree (Cercis canadensis) Flowering period March to April
Juneberry or Serviceberry (Amelanchier) There are many species and varieties to suit almost all gardens. Eg. Amelanchier ‘Ballerina’, A. ‘Lamarckii’ and A. ‘Obelisk’. Flowering period: March to April
Apple (Malus) There are many varieties and rootstocks to suit almost all gardens. Eg Malus ‘Evereste’, M. ‘Pink Glow’, ‘Toringo’, M. ‘Aros’, and M. ‘Laura’ are popular. Flowering : April and May.
Cherry (Prunus) The best for bees are the single, or semi-double forms; avoid double flowering varieties as the bees won’t be able to get at the nectar. Eg Prunus ‘Accolade’, P. ‘Kanzan’, P. ‘Amanogawa’ and P. ‘Ruby’. Flowering period: April to May
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) eg. Sorbus ‘Chinese Lace’ and S. ‘Autumn Spire’.
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) Flowering period: September – December
