7 Best Trees To Attract Pollinators In Your Gardens In Victoria, BC

Incorporating trees that attract pollinators into your garden in Victoria, BC, can have a significant impact on the health of your local ecosystem. Here are seven trees known for their ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects:

1. Crabapple (Malus spp.): Crabapples bloom profusely in spring, providing an early source of nectar and pollen for bees. The fruits that follow can also offer food for birds. Look for disease-resistant varieties suited to the Pacific Northwest.
2. Cherry (Prunus spp.): Both ornamental and fruiting cherry trees are excellent for attracting pollinators with their spring blossoms. They're a beautiful addition to any garden, offering spectacular floral displays.
3. Maple (Acer spp.): Maples are an important early-spring nectar source for bees. Red maples and other varieties bloom early in the year, helping to support pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.
4. Willow (Salix spp.): Willows are among the first trees to bloom in spring, providing critical support for bees and other pollinators early in the season. Their catkins are a valuable pollen source.
5. Linden (Tilia spp.): Known for their fragrant flowers, lindens are a magnet for bees. They bloom in early summer, offering a significant source of nectar when many other trees have finished flowering.
6. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Serviceberries, or Saskatoon berries, offer showy white flowers in early spring, followed by edible fruits in summer. They attract a wide range of pollinators and birds.
7. Dogwood (Cornus spp.): Dogwoods produce flowers in spring or early summer that attract bees, and their fruit can attract birds. Both flowering dogwoods and Pacific dogwood are suited to Victoria's climate.

Planting these trees can enhance the biodiversity of your garden in Victoria, BC, by providing a variety of resources for pollinators throughout the growing season. Additionally, many of these trees offer the added benefits of beautiful flowers, attractive foliage, and even edible fruits, contributing to both the ecological health and aesthetic appeal of your garden.