Protein contains amino acids, and some of these amino acids are essential. That means the organism can not make them; they have to get them in food. Dandelion pollen is low in valine, isoleucine, leucine and arginine, essential amino acids for honey bees.
Dandelion is consider a poor quality source of protein for bees.
That’s true, but it’s better than no flowers. I see this comment pop up pretty regularly in reference to dandelions as a source for pollinators as if eliminating the flower would be of little impact. Dandelions are one of the first flowers to show up for the pollinators, even if they don’t provide the best food for insects it’s still something, especially in sterile modern suburban landscapes. .
That link lists the first foods for pollinators. Lots of things on that list which surprised me.
We’re replanting our yard with native plants this year.
If you like birds and wildlife this is the best way to attract them.
I also learned this year dandelions aren’t native to North America.
I heard their pollen doesn’t provide enough nutrients for the hive/queen. Specifically protein.
Here’s a link to neat bee article. Go pollinators!
https://www.gardenmyths.com/dandelions-important-bees/
Protein contains amino acids, and some of these amino acids are essential. That means the organism can not make them; they have to get them in food. Dandelion pollen is low in valine, isoleucine, leucine and arginine, essential amino acids for honey bees.
Dandelion is consider a poor quality source of protein for bees.
Still better than short cut grass.
That’s true, but it’s better than no flowers. I see this comment pop up pretty regularly in reference to dandelions as a source for pollinators as if eliminating the flower would be of little impact. Dandelions are one of the first flowers to show up for the pollinators, even if they don’t provide the best food for insects it’s still something, especially in sterile modern suburban landscapes. .
That link lists the first foods for pollinators. Lots of things on that list which surprised me. We’re replanting our yard with native plants this year. If you like birds and wildlife this is the best way to attract them.
I also learned this year dandelions aren’t native to North America.
That’s where clover and wild strawberry come in to play.