The bright, unmistakable yellow blooms of Forsythia are one of the first signs of spring, making this common ornamental shrub a familiar sight in temperate landscapes. Its early appearance often leads gardeners to wonder if this prolific flowering plant offers a valuable food source for newly emerging bee populations. While the shrub’s visual presence is undeniable, its actual benefit to bees requires a closer look at the flowers’ contents and timing.
Forsythia’s Appeal to Bees
Bees are attracted to the massive display of yellow that Forsythia provides, especially after a long winter when few other flowers are available. The bright color is a strong visual cue for foraging insects, and species like honey bees and some native solitary bees visit the blooms. This visitation reflects the scarcity of alternatives, not the richness of the Forsythia itself.
Many modern Forsythia cultivars are bred for flower size and abundance, often at the expense of producing nectar and pollen. These varieties are sometimes called “dry flowers” because they offer little nutritional reward. Even when pollen is produced, the flower structure can make it physically challenging for certain bee species to access the limited resources. Select varieties, such as ‘Beatrix Farrand’, are known to be better pollen producers.
The Quality of Pollen and Nectar
The primary issue with Forsythia as a bee food source is the low nutritional quality of the pollen it produces. Pollen is the sole source of protein for bees, necessary for brood development and adult health. For honey bees, pollen containing a crude protein level between 20% and 23% is considered ideal.
Forsythia pollen typically falls well below this threshold, classifying it as a poor-to-moderate source. A diet based solely on low-protein pollen can hinder the development of worker bees and reduce a colony’s ability to rear new young. While the nectar provides immediate carbohydrates for energy, it is generally insufficient to help the colony build large honey stores. The plant does not offer the high protein content required for colony growth.
Early Season Forage
Despite its nutritional limitations, the timing of Forsythia’s bloom gives it a unique, temporary value. It is one of the first shrubs to flower, often appearing before other common early food sources like dandelions. This makes it an emergency or survival food source for bees emerging from their winter cluster.
When other food is nonexistent, available pollen or nectar can prevent starvation and provide the initial energy needed for foraging. The shrub’s value lies not in its richness, but in its reliable availability during resource scarcity. It offers a small, timely boost that sustains the first wave of foragers until higher-quality blooms open later in the spring.
Superior Early Spring Forage
Gardeners interested in providing beneficial sustenance for early-emerging bees should look to alternatives that offer superior nutritional value. Willows, particularly Pussy Willow (Salix discolor), are considered excellent forage, producing high-protein pollen and abundant nectar early in the season. Maples (Acer species) are another tree option that blooms early, offering a significant volume of both pollen and nectar.
For smaller plantings, the following options provide the rich protein and diverse nutrients necessary for successful brood rearing:
- Early bulbs like Crocus and Squill (Scilla)
- Shrubs such as Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin)
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Prioritizing these superior sources ensures that the bees’ first meals of the season are plentiful and nutritionally complete.