Click the photo for more information on each species below. This work is possible through the participation of many Iowans. It will probably develop more slowly than any of us would like because let’s be real — I’m an active beekeeper before I’m a sit-down deskie.
Prioritizing the work: This page will be sorted alphabetically by common name. I am including phenology of events that cue beekeeping chores and honey production, which may include introduced species. Trees in particular will tend to include introduced species (and remember that honey bees were introduced as well). They are givens in the system in which we are living. Because of honey crop potential and the impracticality of removing them, I include them here.
And while a plant may bloom at a particular time, it will not be included if it doesn’t help our management or harvest.
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2020-36840-31522 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number FNC21-1289. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.