Bees are strongly attracted to poppies, primarily due to the massive amount of pollen the flowers produce. Poppies are a pollen powerhouse, and bees visit them frequently to gather this necessary resource. Most poppy varieties do not offer nectar, making them a unique floral resource for foraging insects.
Pollen: The Primary Attraction
Poppies are distinct because they are generally considered nectarless; they do not produce the sugary liquid that provides bees with carbohydrates for energy. Instead, the flower generates copious amounts of pollen, which is the bee’s main source of protein and fat. The open, bowl-shaped structure of many poppy species makes this pollen easily accessible to a variety of bees, including honey bees and bumblebees. A single flower often contains numerous stamens, the male parts that bear the anthers, which are coated in a visible, powdery layer of pollen.
The foraging process is often energetic, with bees seen covered in the resource. To efficiently harvest the fine, dry grains, bees may employ buzz pollination, or sonication. They vibrate their flight muscles to shake the pollen free from the anthers. The pollen is then collected and mixed with trace amounts of nectar or saliva to form sticky pellets. These are packed into specialized structures on their hind legs called corbiculae, or pollen baskets.
Variation Among Poppy Species
The appeal of poppies varies significantly based on the species and the degree of cultivation. Single-flowered varieties, such as the native California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and the common Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), are particularly attractive to bees. Their simple, open structure provides the easiest access to the pollen-laden anthers, allowing bees to forage quickly and efficiently. The Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is also highly favored, often producing a large, visible cloud of pollen that attracts foragers.
Conversely, highly cultivated varieties with dense, double-layered petals are less appealing to bees. Varieties like some Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) or peony-flowered Breadseed poppies have a complex structure that physically impedes a bee’s ability to reach the pollen source. The effort required to burrow through the many layers of petals often outweighs the reward. Gardeners should prioritize open, single-petal forms to ensure the greatest ease of access for foraging insects.
Nutritional Value of Poppy Pollen
Poppy pollen serves a purpose in the bee colony’s diet, providing the macronutrients necessary for growth and development. Pollen is the sole source of protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals for bees. These nutrients are essential for brood rearing and the physiological development of young adult bees. The protein content of pollen is the most studied component, generally ranging from 6% to 30% of the dry weight. This protein is needed to rear new worker larvae.
Studies suggest that the high protein content in certain poppy pollens, such as that from the Opium poppy, supports colony performance and drives the bee’s preference. Bees fed on this type of pollen have shown increased longevity compared to those consuming other sources. Poppy pollen is a valuable supplement, especially during the spring when bees are emerging from winter and rapidly building up their colony size. This protein-rich resource sustains a healthy and growing population.