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Native trees/shrubs for pollinators #764726

Asked July 29, 2021, 10:16 PM EDT

Are any of the suggested plants on this webpage: https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/trees-and-shrubs-pollinators#apple%2C-crabapple-and-pear-2807510 native? Thanks! -Bonnie

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Crabapples are an obvious choices for bee-friendly blooms, in addition to their color, fragrance and fruit. The native crabtrees may not be hardy in MN. There are some native crabapples, but modern hybrid trees with disease resistance are also bee magnets in May. Disease resistance should be your first consideration when you select a crabapple tree. Many resistant cultivars are available and recommended in order to avoid the most common disease problems like apple scab and fireblight. The following sites will help you select a pollinator friendly tree.

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab#apple-scab-resistant-crabapples-hardy-in-minnesota-1165361

https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/crabapplecollection.aspx

https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/trees-and-shrubs-pollinators#apple%2C-crabapple-and-pear-2807510

The following site has a list of native trees.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/native-trees.html

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied July 30, 2021, 3:57 PM EDT

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