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100 Plants to Feed the Bees: Provide a Healthy Habitat to Help Pollinators Thrive
The international bee crisis is threatening our global food supply, but this user-friendly field guide shows what you can do to help protect our pollinators. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation offers browsable profiles of 100 common flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees that support bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. The recommendations are pick the right plants for pollinators, protect them from pesticides, and provide abundant blooms throughout the growing season by mixing perennials with herbs and annuals! 100 Plants to Feed the Bees will empower homeowners, landscapers, apartment dwellers — anyone with a scrap of yard or a window box — to protect our pollinators.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
213 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 13, 2019
Calling all activists and gardeners..this is a must read! Since we all know why the world's bees are dying than the most obvious thing to do is to help them. This wonderful book will teach you what to plant and why. Great information. My husband and I swore off pesticides years ago and we do keep our garden on the wild side with a huge bee garden. Even if you do not garden, you can gift plants and seeds to people who do. Read this book and help save the world. Five stars.
February 8, 2019
Extremely informative and useful pollinator book. The best of all I’ve read so far. Lovely colored pictures, plant information, and for beekeepers (which I’m not), but I still want to attract more of them to my garden, there’s info on the types of honey extracted from plants, which plant is a high producer/attractor, growing conditions, etc.
There’s a tree that when it’s exposed to drought conditions is attractive to bees, but because of the dry environment, makes the nectar toxic and the honey undesirable. Who knew? Or, in some regions, orange growers actively discourage nearby beekeeping since pollen contamination by bees cause seeds to develop in seedless oranges.
Very interesting stuff even if you are not a beekeeper.
What I’ve also learned is in order to really attract these pollinators to your garden, mass plant your plants. For example, 8-12 or more in one area, rather than 1, 2 or 3.
My mode of garden operations was planting in groups of 3 or 5. Or a significant plant as one or two. However, I see I’m going to have to blow my plant numbers out, and yes, actually now can see how this would be more visually appealing, not just to the pollinators, but to the human eye as well. Probably less maintenance, I think, which is always a good thing in the garden.
There’s a tree that when it’s exposed to drought conditions is attractive to bees, but because of the dry environment, makes the nectar toxic and the honey undesirable. Who knew? Or, in some regions, orange growers actively discourage nearby beekeeping since pollen contamination by bees cause seeds to develop in seedless oranges.
Very interesting stuff even if you are not a beekeeper.
What I’ve also learned is in order to really attract these pollinators to your garden, mass plant your plants. For example, 8-12 or more in one area, rather than 1, 2 or 3.
My mode of garden operations was planting in groups of 3 or 5. Or a significant plant as one or two. However, I see I’m going to have to blow my plant numbers out, and yes, actually now can see how this would be more visually appealing, not just to the pollinators, but to the human eye as well. Probably less maintenance, I think, which is always a good thing in the garden.
January 19, 2019
This was an excellent gardening reference for plants that provide benefits to bees. I was especially glad that it included information on which plants provided nectar (or are host plants) to hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. The focus, though, was on honey bees.
I was disappointed that the book brought in non-native plant species which can escape and become invasive. The authors reminded you to check locally to see if particular plants are invasive in your area. However, I would have preferred that only native species be covered and that more detailed map ranges for specific recommended varieties be included in the book. Even when a variety is native to North America, it can be invasive in some regions.
I was disappointed that the book brought in non-native plant species which can escape and become invasive. The authors reminded you to check locally to see if particular plants are invasive in your area. However, I would have preferred that only native species be covered and that more detailed map ranges for specific recommended varieties be included in the book. Even when a variety is native to North America, it can be invasive in some regions.
March 2, 2017
I totally enjoyed this colourful book of facts and figures, copiously illustrated with photos. We first find out what insects are pollinators and learn about honey; plants provide a variety of resources for bees and we use some of those too. Pollen, nectar, honeydew, propolis and shelter are the main assets.
A key indicates which plants feed honeybees, other native bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Some plants can be planted in gardens across America and others will thrive in certain regions, indicated on a map of the continental US and Canada.
I am glad that Latin names are provided under the common plant names, as some common names differ in Europe. What enjoyable names too, such as fireweed, goldenrod, meadowfoam, mountain mint, prairie clover, rattlesnake master, wild indigo. Then come the trees; willow which we might not consider as it's wind pollinated, but the bees pick up the pollen; buttonbush, coyote bush, mesquite, ocean spray, manzanita.
I didn't realise saw palmetto makes great honey in Florida. We get a warning that rhododendron is toxic, and honey from bees visiting it can be toxic too. The rose, even wild rose, is liked by leaf-cutter bees which make little nests from small pieces of leaves. Tupelo, tulip tree and magnolia are three more honey-making species, while wild lilac, called here California lilac or ceanothus, is visited by many different pollinators.
Suffice to say if you read this book before planting a garden you could have inspiration to plant a garden brimming with colour and buzzing with life. Even a balcony could display window-boxes and tubs to attract bees and butterflies, as well as producing herbs and scent to enhance your life. Enjoy as an informative coffee table book but do plant that garden. The bees need all the help they can get; this subject could occupy a whole different book.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
A key indicates which plants feed honeybees, other native bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Some plants can be planted in gardens across America and others will thrive in certain regions, indicated on a map of the continental US and Canada.
I am glad that Latin names are provided under the common plant names, as some common names differ in Europe. What enjoyable names too, such as fireweed, goldenrod, meadowfoam, mountain mint, prairie clover, rattlesnake master, wild indigo. Then come the trees; willow which we might not consider as it's wind pollinated, but the bees pick up the pollen; buttonbush, coyote bush, mesquite, ocean spray, manzanita.
I didn't realise saw palmetto makes great honey in Florida. We get a warning that rhododendron is toxic, and honey from bees visiting it can be toxic too. The rose, even wild rose, is liked by leaf-cutter bees which make little nests from small pieces of leaves. Tupelo, tulip tree and magnolia are three more honey-making species, while wild lilac, called here California lilac or ceanothus, is visited by many different pollinators.
Suffice to say if you read this book before planting a garden you could have inspiration to plant a garden brimming with colour and buzzing with life. Even a balcony could display window-boxes and tubs to attract bees and butterflies, as well as producing herbs and scent to enhance your life. Enjoy as an informative coffee table book but do plant that garden. The bees need all the help they can get; this subject could occupy a whole different book.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 29, 2016
I would like to thank Storey Publishing for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.
Okay, I will come out and say first that I love this book, feel we need this book and that all countries of the world need a version of this book adapted to their own native and introduced pollinators and plants.
I wanted to make that clear before I say the following as I fear some may take it as more negative than it is meant. I mean it as just an FYI, not as a bad thing, so PLEASE don’t take it as a negative…
Okay, here goes. I did have an issue with this book and it is totally the fault of the reader and has NOTHING to do with the book. Storey Publishing is a publisher based in the USA and caters for USA readers. And I knew this when requesting the book from all the way over here in Australia.
And so, my disappointment at it being a book focussed on looking at how to help save/feed bees and other pollinators in the USA was all my own fault. BUT! It did mean I couldn’t connect or get as enthusiastic about this book as I wanted to because the first series of plants listed aren’t available here, and if they are they are often classified as weeds and can’t be grown. But there were some plants listed that we can have in ornamental gardens and the last lot of plants listed are herbs and fruits trees… so all was not lost. And, as I’ve said the fault is totally with the reader – aka ME and not the book or listed plants.
That aside, the introduction about the need for pollinators, what they do, what they collect, what sorts of flowers they are attracted to, why we need flowers to attracted them even if the flowers seem to serve no other function – all great information that can be used worldwide!
The formatting of the book is excellent. It is set out to be easy to read and a great reference book. It shows the reader which pollinators are attracted to the plant, where the plant comes from (if native to America) or where it can be grown. Good quality colour pictures of each plant is used, the book gives a description of the plant and its uses for the pollinator and all in all some excellent, easy to read details suited for all levels of people interested in looking after the bees and pollinators more.
Would I recommend this book to others?
If they were located in the USA, then yes. Absolutely! If someone there wants to help save the bees and other pollinators; they need to get themselves this book.
If the reader is located in another location outside of North America, I would advise them of the location specific audience this book is aimed for. I mean, it still has some great information there that can be used globally, but I can’t see it as being as attractive to purchase for those not located in the USA. If that makes sense?
Would I buy this book for myself?
No I wouldn’t. And I think we all know by now that this is simply because I am not located in the right part of the world to get the best benefits from this book. Yes I picked up some good tips and advice from it, but this isn’t something I would own. Not unless they did an Australia specific one and then yes, it would be MINE! :-)
In summary: A really good, easy to read reference book to help people of the USA help to feed and save bees and other pollinators.
Okay, I will come out and say first that I love this book, feel we need this book and that all countries of the world need a version of this book adapted to their own native and introduced pollinators and plants.
I wanted to make that clear before I say the following as I fear some may take it as more negative than it is meant. I mean it as just an FYI, not as a bad thing, so PLEASE don’t take it as a negative…
Okay, here goes. I did have an issue with this book and it is totally the fault of the reader and has NOTHING to do with the book. Storey Publishing is a publisher based in the USA and caters for USA readers. And I knew this when requesting the book from all the way over here in Australia.
And so, my disappointment at it being a book focussed on looking at how to help save/feed bees and other pollinators in the USA was all my own fault. BUT! It did mean I couldn’t connect or get as enthusiastic about this book as I wanted to because the first series of plants listed aren’t available here, and if they are they are often classified as weeds and can’t be grown. But there were some plants listed that we can have in ornamental gardens and the last lot of plants listed are herbs and fruits trees… so all was not lost. And, as I’ve said the fault is totally with the reader – aka ME and not the book or listed plants.
That aside, the introduction about the need for pollinators, what they do, what they collect, what sorts of flowers they are attracted to, why we need flowers to attracted them even if the flowers seem to serve no other function – all great information that can be used worldwide!
The formatting of the book is excellent. It is set out to be easy to read and a great reference book. It shows the reader which pollinators are attracted to the plant, where the plant comes from (if native to America) or where it can be grown. Good quality colour pictures of each plant is used, the book gives a description of the plant and its uses for the pollinator and all in all some excellent, easy to read details suited for all levels of people interested in looking after the bees and pollinators more.
Would I recommend this book to others?
If they were located in the USA, then yes. Absolutely! If someone there wants to help save the bees and other pollinators; they need to get themselves this book.
If the reader is located in another location outside of North America, I would advise them of the location specific audience this book is aimed for. I mean, it still has some great information there that can be used globally, but I can’t see it as being as attractive to purchase for those not located in the USA. If that makes sense?
Would I buy this book for myself?
No I wouldn’t. And I think we all know by now that this is simply because I am not located in the right part of the world to get the best benefits from this book. Yes I picked up some good tips and advice from it, but this isn’t something I would own. Not unless they did an Australia specific one and then yes, it would be MINE! :-)
In summary: A really good, easy to read reference book to help people of the USA help to feed and save bees and other pollinators.
July 1, 2018
This book is an extremely useful resource for those seeking to promote the health of bees, whether eusocial or solitary. A plethora of information about plants to promote the happiness and health of your bees.
November 11, 2019
This guide has a good selection of plants for bees and other pollinators. 10/10 would recommend.
February 20, 2019
What a beautiful and useful book! Highly recommend!
March 7, 2017
Very disappointing. There's little concern given to what are native plants versus invasives. Many of the "feature species" ought not be in many pollinator gardens, dependent on region.
February 3, 2022
I only gave this book two stars for several reasons:
1) There is no index. What kind of reference book doesn't have an index? I did not expect this from the Xerces Society. Unacceptable in a reference book.
2) When buying plants at a nursery or your neighborhood home/garden store, you need to know the botanical name of a plant to be certain you're getting the correct cultivar with the qualities you desire. This book lists catnip as a plant to grow (Nepeta spp.), when it should actually be listed as catmint. Many Nepetas are called catnip, but they should really bear the name of catmint to be truly accurate. The book shows N. cataria as catnip (#80 of 100 plants), by which it is commonly known. However, N. faassenii is a catmint, not a catnip. Catnip and catmint are often confused, but this book never mentions that fact.
3) The last section of the book lists native and non-native bee pasture plants, but doesn't really go into detail as to whether or not each plant is truly native or just an introduced species that has become naturalized. This detail is important to people who are trying to do the right thing and grow predominantly native plants and flowers. Sweetclover (#99 of 100) is listed as one of the best nectar plants for bees. However, sweetclover is not native to America and has a negative impact on wildlife habitat by reducing native plant diversity. It can easily take over natural areas by overtopping and shading native sun-loving plants.
There are a number of excellent reference books about plants native to specific regions. Brooklyn Botanic Garden has several good books that list preferred native plants over invasive or introduced plants. True native plants have deeper roots and attract the pollinators that are native to a specific area.
Any book by Douglas W. Tallamy is always worth reading (Nature's Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home).
1) There is no index. What kind of reference book doesn't have an index? I did not expect this from the Xerces Society. Unacceptable in a reference book.
2) When buying plants at a nursery or your neighborhood home/garden store, you need to know the botanical name of a plant to be certain you're getting the correct cultivar with the qualities you desire. This book lists catnip as a plant to grow (Nepeta spp.), when it should actually be listed as catmint. Many Nepetas are called catnip, but they should really bear the name of catmint to be truly accurate. The book shows N. cataria as catnip (#80 of 100 plants), by which it is commonly known. However, N. faassenii is a catmint, not a catnip. Catnip and catmint are often confused, but this book never mentions that fact.
3) The last section of the book lists native and non-native bee pasture plants, but doesn't really go into detail as to whether or not each plant is truly native or just an introduced species that has become naturalized. This detail is important to people who are trying to do the right thing and grow predominantly native plants and flowers. Sweetclover (#99 of 100) is listed as one of the best nectar plants for bees. However, sweetclover is not native to America and has a negative impact on wildlife habitat by reducing native plant diversity. It can easily take over natural areas by overtopping and shading native sun-loving plants.
There are a number of excellent reference books about plants native to specific regions. Brooklyn Botanic Garden has several good books that list preferred native plants over invasive or introduced plants. True native plants have deeper roots and attract the pollinators that are native to a specific area.
Any book by Douglas W. Tallamy is always worth reading (Nature's Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home).
August 14, 2018
This is a very handy book for people thinking of planting flowering plants to attract bee pollinators, put together by a group of authors associated with The Xerces Society, which works to protect invertebrates and their habitats (https://xerces.org/)*.
The book starts with a brief overview (about 14 pages) of plant anatomy, bees, information about foraging, the landscape (including locally native plants), and pesticides. The remainder of the book presents, one at a time, the 100 plants, in categories of Native Wildflowers, Native Trees and Scrubs, Introduces Trees and Shrubs, Introduced Herbs and ornamentals, and Native and Nonnative Bee Pasture Plants. For each plant there are pictures, indication of the pollinators, text on notable flower visitors, recommended species or varieties, uses of the plants, information on height, timing of blooms, planting tips, and amount of sun or shade for each plant, and a graphic display of the range of the plant in the United States and Canada.
If you are interested in an informative book on plants for bee pollinators, this is very nice, full of content, and very visually pleasing in design.
* This website has a lot of very valuable information about bees, the plants they like, the pesticides that are very harmful to them.
The book starts with a brief overview (about 14 pages) of plant anatomy, bees, information about foraging, the landscape (including locally native plants), and pesticides. The remainder of the book presents, one at a time, the 100 plants, in categories of Native Wildflowers, Native Trees and Scrubs, Introduces Trees and Shrubs, Introduced Herbs and ornamentals, and Native and Nonnative Bee Pasture Plants. For each plant there are pictures, indication of the pollinators, text on notable flower visitors, recommended species or varieties, uses of the plants, information on height, timing of blooms, planting tips, and amount of sun or shade for each plant, and a graphic display of the range of the plant in the United States and Canada.
If you are interested in an informative book on plants for bee pollinators, this is very nice, full of content, and very visually pleasing in design.
* This website has a lot of very valuable information about bees, the plants they like, the pesticides that are very harmful to them.
July 22, 2019
Solid info, and exactly as promoted: USER FRIENDLY
Clear, concise and focused, 100 Plants is a great starter and reference book for those considering pollinator-friendly planting or landscaping.
Logically divided between flowering plants and trees/bushes, each entry typically spans two easy-to-read pages, providing background on each plant, potential hive honey output, quality/flavor commentary on resultant honey, photos, and (most importantly) easy and consistent visual icons & graphics to illustrate pollinators attracted, geography growing footprint, soil & moisture needs, expected growth size, and indicators of suitability for use such as "reclamation", "hedgerows", "ornamental", "edible/medicinal", etc.
A GREAT introductory resource and asset to the gardener with the "bigger ecological vision" in mind.
Clear, concise and focused, 100 Plants is a great starter and reference book for those considering pollinator-friendly planting or landscaping.
Logically divided between flowering plants and trees/bushes, each entry typically spans two easy-to-read pages, providing background on each plant, potential hive honey output, quality/flavor commentary on resultant honey, photos, and (most importantly) easy and consistent visual icons & graphics to illustrate pollinators attracted, geography growing footprint, soil & moisture needs, expected growth size, and indicators of suitability for use such as "reclamation", "hedgerows", "ornamental", "edible/medicinal", etc.
A GREAT introductory resource and asset to the gardener with the "bigger ecological vision" in mind.
December 24, 2021
-4 stars.
i've been looking specifically for more plants to be flowering in early spring and late fall for the bees and butterflies. i've got summer well covered. this book details spring/summer/fall for the plants, which is helpful. it gives a map of areas in the U.S. that the plants will grow, which is helpful because minnesota's short growing season definitely isnt friendly to all plants.
-spring
lupine - lupine - flowers
selfheal - prunella vulgaris - flowers
wild indigo - baptisia - flowers
manzanita - arctostaphylos - tree/shrub
redbud - cercis - tree/shrub
serviveberry - amelanchier - tree/shrub
borage - borago officinalis - herbs and ornamentals
-fall
aster - symphyotrichum - flowers
goldenrod - solidago - flowers
cosmos - cosmos bipinnatus - herbs and ornamentals
i've been looking specifically for more plants to be flowering in early spring and late fall for the bees and butterflies. i've got summer well covered. this book details spring/summer/fall for the plants, which is helpful. it gives a map of areas in the U.S. that the plants will grow, which is helpful because minnesota's short growing season definitely isnt friendly to all plants.
-spring
lupine - lupine - flowers
selfheal - prunella vulgaris - flowers
wild indigo - baptisia - flowers
manzanita - arctostaphylos - tree/shrub
redbud - cercis - tree/shrub
serviveberry - amelanchier - tree/shrub
borage - borago officinalis - herbs and ornamentals
-fall
aster - symphyotrichum - flowers
goldenrod - solidago - flowers
cosmos - cosmos bipinnatus - herbs and ornamentals
December 13, 2018
This was clear and concise with a lot of information.
My two main complaints: First, it is organized alphabetically by common names instead of scientific (with no index) which is makes it hard to find things.
Second, for the most part it has information about genus rather than specific species, which isn't that helpful when there are lots of different species within a genus with different growing conditions.
Still, this is a nice quick reference to at least narrow down your plant selection.
My two main complaints: First, it is organized alphabetically by common names instead of scientific (with no index) which is makes it hard to find things.
Second, for the most part it has information about genus rather than specific species, which isn't that helpful when there are lots of different species within a genus with different growing conditions.
Still, this is a nice quick reference to at least narrow down your plant selection.
February 9, 2024
Full of information for those wanting to support endangered bee and butterfly habitat. With bee populations dwindling in the last decade, this is a good reference guide for those wanting to both revegetate natural wastelands or start their own honeybee colonies.
Each page is dedicated to a specific plant. The climate, characteristics of the plant, the kind of bees and other insects it attracts, and other interesting information is also included.
It’s a good introduction to what a person would want to look for in planting a bee garden.
Each page is dedicated to a specific plant. The climate, characteristics of the plant, the kind of bees and other insects it attracts, and other interesting information is also included.
It’s a good introduction to what a person would want to look for in planting a bee garden.
January 21, 2019
This is a great book of information that anyone interested in keeping pollinators healthy and happy. I read this book as a reference as I am preparing a presentation to a Bee Club. These members are interested in pollinators of all kinds. The information is excellent. Whether you are a beekeeper, or a home gardener, the information in this book will be of interest. It has a listing of mostly native plants that are great for pollinators—for gathering both pollen and nectar.
April 17, 2024
I wish I loved nature more. I try. I read gardening books, I plan for gardens, I show my kids insects and try not to gross out. And here I am reading about how to bring bees to my yard. I understand the importance of pollinators in the garden but when they fly in your face, I start to second guess my decisions. Bugs are my nemesis.
But the book was pretty and basically just what the title says. It’s a comprehensive list of plants that will bring the bugs to swarm your life. Oh yay.
But the book was pretty and basically just what the title says. It’s a comprehensive list of plants that will bring the bugs to swarm your life. Oh yay.
February 22, 2017
This is more a reference book than a "reading" book, but contains excellent information. Anyone interested in putting bee friendly plants in their yard show pick it up. I would also recommend cross-checking with other sources about the plants so that you don't end up planting noxious weeds or plants not suited for your climate. I found a few new ones to try this year!
February 9, 2021
I can read through this book over and over again. Just flipping through the beautiful photographs and dreaming of adding to my garden makes me happy! Sometimes I flip through it before bed if I can't sleep. The book is divided nicely and talks about which pollinators each flower attracts. Also includes native range maps for the different plants. Very informative.
July 26, 2021
I love this book. As a naive beginner person who is wanting to learn more about bees and the types of plants to have in my garden this book is everything I was looking for. Thankfully I discovered this book on vacation at the Savannah Bee Company where they had several books on the subject. A must read for people interested in bees.
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January 12, 2025Really nicely designed alphabetical list of 100 native wildflowers, native and introduced trees and shrubs, introduced herbs and ornamentals, and native and non-native bee pasture plants. Includes exposure, soil moisture, bloom time, flower color, maximum height, recommended species/varieties, visitors, and uses.
May 7, 2017
Most of the plants are prairie plants for large spaces, not much you can have on a windowsill, porch, or small area. They're missing some of the more common ones like lavender that you would have an easier time finding/buying. A lot of these too seem like they would dominate your garden.
July 21, 2017
I checked out this book from my local library in a trade paper format. The photographs and illustrations are fabulous! I liked the brief overview and that each featured plant included a favorable habitat map and so much more.
July 11, 2018
The little bee may hold the key to the success of failure of our planet.
No bees, no plants. A nice breakdown into which plants to incorporate into a home environment for beauty, pleasure and bees!
No bees, no plants. A nice breakdown into which plants to incorporate into a home environment for beauty, pleasure and bees!
May 20, 2022
Very informative! Each plant is shown a range, which is helpful in identifying what plants are suitable in your area. Also notes the types of pollinators each attracts, which is helpful if you have a specific pollinator in mind for your garden.
January 31, 2023
Interesting and informative, but with more information about honeybees and less about bumblebees than expected.
Also, although there are maps showing where each plant can grow, it is not clear which plants are actually native to which regions - this would have been a helpful improvement.
Also, although there are maps showing where each plant can grow, it is not clear which plants are actually native to which regions - this would have been a helpful improvement.
March 5, 2017
Basic overview and plant list.
September 1, 2017
Good basic and informative
August 5, 2018
I wish it had been organized by region. That would have made it easier to find plants that were appropriate for my yard
April 30, 2019
Gives lists of plants with regions, sun, soil and water requirements, color, bloom time and height. May be purchasing...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews