Pollinators, particularly bees, are essential for the world’s plant life and food supply. Understanding which flowers provide the most value for these insects is important for gardeners and conservationists. The common daisy, with its familiar white petals and yellow center, is a widespread flower that prompts curiosity about its role in supporting local bee populations. This relationship is dictated by flower structure, bee biology, and human cultivation practices.
Do Bees Actually Like Daisies?
The direct answer to whether bees like daisies is yes, but this preference depends on the specific variety. Bees are strongly attracted to single-petaled, open-faced varieties like the wild Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and many single-flowered Shasta daisies. These flowers offer an easily accessible source of food, making them an efficient stop for foraging bees. However, modern horticulture has developed numerous double-petaled daisy cultivars that are far less useful to pollinators. These ornamental varieties feature a dense proliferation of petals that obscures the flower’s reproductive center, making the nectar and pollen difficult or impossible to reach.
The Sensory Drivers of Bee Preference
A bee’s decision to visit a flower is driven by sensory cues different from human perception. Bees possess trichromatic vision, shifted toward the ultraviolet (UV) end of the spectrum, allowing them to see colors humans cannot. They are attracted to flowers that reflect blue, purple, and yellow light. Many flowers, including daisies, display UV patterns known as nectar guides, which direct the bee toward the center where the reward is located. Scent is another primary factor, as flowers release volatile organic compounds that help bees quickly locate rewarding species.
Daisy Anatomy and Pollen Access
The daisy flower is technically a composite flower head, made up of many tiny individual flowers. The white outer “petals” are ray florets, while the yellow center is a dense cluster of disc florets. Nectar and pollen are produced within these central disc florets. The flat, open structure of the daisy head provides a stable landing platform and immediate access to the pollen-rich anthers and nectaries for a wide range of bee species. In contrast, double-flowered daisies have converted resource-producing stamens into extra petals, physically blocking the disc florets and reducing the food reward.
Creating a Bee-Friendly Daisy Patch
To maximize the benefit for local pollinators, gardeners should select daisy varieties that maintain their natural, single-petaled form. The Oxeye daisy is an excellent choice, as are single-flowered cultivars of the Shasta daisy, such as ‘Snowcap’ or ‘Becky’. These options ensure the central disc florets are exposed and accessible to foraging insects. Planting flowers in large, clustered patches helps bees locate the food source more efficiently, as they can spot dense groupings of color from greater distances. Consistent food availability is important, so choosing plants with long blooming periods and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides ensures a continuous, safe supply of pollen and nectar.