Most mast-producing trees and shrubs bloom in spring, so they do not provide an adequate year-round source of nectar and pollen to sustain a hive of honeybees.
However, they are an excellent supplemental source, and several mast-producing trees and shrubs provide important early season nectar and pollen sources for bees. Mast-producing trees and shrubs can also be planted near hives to provide windbreaks and protection from inclement weather.
The best native mast-producing trees and shrubs for bees include:
- blackberries and raspberries
- blueberries
- wild roses
- crabapples
- wild cherries and plums
- hawthornes
- hackberries
- elderberries
- hazelnuts
- mountain ashes
- maples
- serviceberries
- sumacs
Many naturalized Eurasian relatives of native mast-producing trees and shrubs are also excellent sources of nectar for honeybees, including Eurasian flowering cherries, apples, plums, pears, and more. For a month-by-month list of mast and non-mast producing trees that provide important nectar sources for honeybees, check out this article.
Curiously, honeybees generally do not frequent native dogwoods, although they can be an important food source for native bees.
Many mast-producing trees and shrubs also provide important sources of shelter for wood-dwelling native bee species such as carpenter bees.
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