Wild bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants and maintaining biodiversity. To support these beneficial insects, it’s important to plant species that provide them with food and shelter. The Łąka Foundation, Yope, and Together for Bees have created a list of plants that support wild bees. Here are some of them, which you can find in wildflower meadows and bee-friendly fields:
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Common Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Flax is a plant with small blue flowers that are a valuable nectar source for bees. Its presence in gardens and meadows attracts pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity. -
Common Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum vulgare)
The common chrysanthemum, also known as “field daisy,” has yellow flowers that are especially attractive to wild bees, particularly during the summer months. Its flowers provide bees with nectar and pollen. -
Field Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
The field poppy, with its striking red flowers, is an excellent nectar source for wild bees. It grows in wastelands, fields, and meadows, making it a great addition to supporting pollinators. -
Corncockle (Agrostemma githago)
Corncockle is a beautiful plant with pink flowers that used to be common in crop fields. It’s a plant that attracts wild bees with its nectar-rich blooms. -
Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa)
Hairy vetch is a leguminous plant with purple flowers, which are particularly attractive to wild bees. Its presence in meadows improves soil quality while providing bees with valuable pollen. -
Common Carrot (Daucus carota)
While mainly grown in gardens, the wild variety of carrot also provides bees with valuable nectar. Its small white flowers gather in umbels, drawing pollinators. -
Common Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Common chamomile is a plant with distinct white flowers that not only attract bees but also other pollinating insects. Its presence in meadows and gardens benefits biodiversity. -
Field Larkspur (Consolida regalis)
Field larkspur is a plant with delicate blue flowers that serves as an excellent nectar source for bees. It thrives in fields, meadows, and gardens, drawing wild bees with its beauty and abundance of pollen. -
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflower is a symbol of Polish meadows. Its bright blue flowers attract wild bees, providing them with valuable nutrients. This plant is also beneficial for other pollinating insects. -
Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
Common mallow is a plant with pink or purple flowers that provides bees with nectar and pollen. It is especially attractive to wild bees, which readily gather food from it.
Download the coloring book and more information
You can download the appearance of the plants along with a coloring book, which will help you learn about wild bees and the plants they depend on, [here]
Let’s take care of wild bees by planting plants that they can find in our meadows and gardens. It’s a simple yet effective way to protect these incredibly important insects!