Trees for Pollinators

Basswoods provide the most nectar of any plant or tree known in the US.

Height of mature tree: 60 - 80 ‘. Best for plan1ng at the edge of your yard, or in a park where it will have space to grow.

Growth: Medium to fast depending on soil condi1ons. Prefers deep, moist, rich soil, but also grows in dry, heavy soil. Likes sun or part shade.

Flowers: Very fragrant flowers around July 4th. Starts to flower at 10-12 years old; will live 100 years or more. Does not flower every year.

Other info: Native from Maine to Florida, west to the Dakotas. Susceptible to Japanese beetles.

An excellent shade tree for lawns, streets or wherever a quality tree is desired. Can be pruned into hedges. Height of mature tree: 60 - 70 ‘. More pyramidal than its American cousin.

Growth: Medium to fast.

Prefers deep, moist, rich soil, but also grows in dry, heavy soil. Requires full sun. Flowers: Very fragrant, usually late June. Earlier than the American Basswood.

Blooms almost yearly, and at a younger age than the American Basswood.

Other Info: Na1ve to Europe but not considered invasive. Planted as a shade tree for thousands of years. Susceptible to Japanese beetles.

A mid to late-May blooming crabapple. Excellent as a landscape plant or accent piece, or planted as a wildlife hedge. Blooms within a year or two of planting.
Size of mature tree: A dwarf tree, 10’ tall x 10’ wide. Easily pruned to shape.
Growth: Medium to fast. Tolerant of most soils.
Flowers: Red buds open to a fragrant white flower. Will remain in bloom for at least two weeks.Very attractive to native bees and honey bees. Flowers set bright red fruit 1/3 to 1/2 inch in diameter that remain on the tree throughout the winter or until devoured by hungry robins and cedar waxwings.
Other info: No known serious pests or diseases. Not attractive to Japanese beetles. Our Sargent Crabapples are propagated from seed and are not grafted so they remain true to name. Native to Japan but not considered invasive.

Clubs should order ASAP to ensure availability. Payment to MBA is required with order.

Trees will arrive at several central loca1ons for distribu1on by April 10. Pickup is preferred, but delivery may be available. You will receive dormant, bare-root trees. They must not dry out or be exposed to heat.

MBA assumes no liability after you receive them, but will do our best to address your questions. You should plan to have them distributed as bare-root plants no later than two weeks after your receipt, or plant them into plastic or bio-degradable pots. Once potted, they will last for an entire season and can be distributed throughout the year.

This pricing is for orders through the Grand Rapids Beekeeping Club. This is being used as a fundraiser to support the efforts of our local bee club. 

American Basswood and Little Leaf Linden, 3-4 ‘ tall: $20 each 

Sargent Crabapple, 1.5 - 2’ tall: $15 each