Nectar & Pollen Plants of Illinois Bee Keeping Course: Session III – Managing the Colony Nectar & Pollen Plants of Illinois

NECTAR Nectar is a sweet liquid (mostly sugar and water) made in special glands called nectaries that are found on flowering plants. Necatries are most often found by the base of a flower’s petals. Nectar is the reward given to insects and small animals for their help with pollination. Nectar is the base ingredient of honey.

POLLEN The male reproductive structure is called the stamen. It is composed of the filament and the anther. Pollen develops within the anther. Pollen are dust-like grains which are unique to each type of flowering plant species. Pollen consists of proteins, starch, sugars, fats, minerals, vitamins and free amino acids. Bees collect pollen to feed their larvae.

POLLEN When the bee goes to get nectar they trigger the male structures hence getting pollen on themselves. Bees tend to confine their attention to a single flower species when foraging. But they will move from plant to plant within that species hence favoring cross-pollination. Some bees forage for nectar and other bees forage for pollen. Some flowering plants will only offer offer pollen, others nectar. And some plants will offer both.

Flowers that Attract Bees Flowers have evolved to meet the needs of its pollinator. Color also helps to attract pollinators. Bee pollinated flowers tend to be brightly colored in the shades of blues and yellows.

Plant List Considerations How do you want to attract bees? A meadow, prairie, crops A vegetable garden, perennial bed Some plants can benefit from bee pollinators but do not require bee visitation. Then there are plants that require a specific insect. Remember to choose plants that will bloom at different times throughout the season so you that bees will continue to visit. Do your research – make sure you do not have invasive species! Watch out for plants that are aggressive and can be difficult to control.