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Bees in a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
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Posted by beewildered Southern CA (My Page) on Fri, Aug 25, 06 at 13:15
| We have a large, 50+ year-old chinese elm in our backyard and this year it seems to have an abundance of blossoms. It also has alot of bees (honey bees I think) which appear to be going from blossom to blossom. There are so many I could hear them over the drone of the morning commute on the freeway nearby. The blossoms are very small and hardly noticeable and I don't recall in years past so many bees showing so much interest in them. I couldn't find any mention on the internet of bees especially liking the Chinese Elm and a few sites mentioned that it is pollinated by wind not bee. My question is -- does anyone know if the bees could just be interested in the tree blossoms or are they maybe also scouting around for a new home? They seem to be only browsing for nectar and not swarming. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Bees in a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
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| beewildered, bees usually swarm in the spring, even in Southern Cal, so I think you're pretty safe in saying that they're interested in the nectar. The increase in bee activity could be due to a nearby beehive which swarmed this spring and moved into a location nearby, making the tree an ideal target for honey. |
RE: Bees in a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
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I'd say thisbud4u's response is spot on, including his comment about a "new" hive in your vicinity.
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I have several Bradford Pears on my property and it's the first source of nectar for my bees in the Spring since it blooms so early (small white blossoms). I absolutely love to walk up to the tree(s) when the bees are working it. If you listen closely, the whole tree seems alive with a soft, gentle humm. The bees are not aggressive when they're out foraging as long as you don't bug them (pardon the pun)...they are far too busy taking care to collect as much nectar as their home needs to begin raising the young'uns. That sound reminds me that mother nature has just turned the page and Winter is over; it's a most glorious time! |
RE: Bees in a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
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| Chinese elms are pretty good sources of pollen, although I don't know how much nectar there is. Hmmm....I've got a couple, but didn't know they were in flower. I'll have to look tomorrow. (BTW....I have seen two swarms in the past two weeks, so even though it is off season, there are some out there) |
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