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Native Nectar for Queen Bumble Bees

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Bombus queen on American Honeysuckle (Deborah Perkins)

Bombus queen on American Honeysuckle (Deborah Perkins)

“Our American Honeysuckle is of special value to bumble bees...”

Our American Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) is blooming now; the beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers opened just a couple of days ago. This is now my annual cue to be on the lookout for the first bumble bees of the season (which are always queens because only the queens overwinter). This lovely little native shrub is of special value to bumble bees because it flowers early when queens are gathering valuable nectar in preparation for nest-building and egg-laying. 

I rescued this particular shrub from our woodland chicken run about three years ago, after we first fenced it in. I carefully transplanted it to a special place along our woodland edge (in view of the kitchen window) and it’s been thriving in its new location ever since. This was an easy, free, and rewarding habitat enhancement, and it didn’t cost me a dime! The simple, small things can make a big difference for wildlife.

The true rewards came today when my husband, daughter, and I watched this queen bumble bee foraging and pollinating through the window as we ate our lunch. After lunch I slipped out to snap this picture and felt truly grateful for the little things in life! These moments keep me grounded in the crazy times we’re living in. Meanwhile, the queen bumble bees continue to emerge right on time, and regale us with their beauty and single-minded purpose.

Please note: This diminutive species of native honeysuckle is not to be confused with the various species of tall, non-native, invasive honeysuckle shrubs that have crept into our forest understories and line our roadsides and woodland edges. These so-called "shrubby" honeysuckles are native to Asia and form dense thickets that completely shade out the forest floor, eliminating native plants and shrubs (including rare species). These and other invasive plants are a top threat to biodiversity.

I hope you enjoyed this Phenology Note!

Join me in witnessing the seasons of our wild world.

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#ThePersonalEcologistI partner with eco-minded landowners to create thriving wildlife habitats in their backyards, gardens, fields and farms, woods or campuses - at any scale.I have 25 years of experience in my field, and a lifelong commitment to wi…

#ThePersonalEcologist

I co-create biodiverse habitats with eco-minded stewards throughout the Northeast - at any scale.

I have 30 years of experience and a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation.

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Deborah Perkins