Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are widely recognized ornamental shrubs and trees, favored in warm climates for their vibrant, prolonged summer blooms. Their popularity stems from an impressive flowering season that often stretches for months, displaying colors from deep reds to pale whites. As pollinator health becomes a greater focus, questions arise about the ecological contribution of these non-native plants. This exploration clarifies the role crepe myrtles play in supporting local bee populations.
The Direct Answer: Are Crepe Myrtles Bee Magnets
Crepe myrtles attract a variety of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and small native bees, though they are not a top-tier food source. Studies show these plants serve as a resource for different bee species, particularly during the middle and late summer when other flowers are less abundant. Attraction is highly dependent on the specific cultivar, resulting in significant differences in visitation rates.
Research shows distinct preferences among bees for certain flower colors and plant sizes. For instance, pink-flowered ‘Seminole’ and red-blooming ‘Victor’ were frequently visited by a mix of bee species. Bumblebees often preferred the larger, lavender-flowered ‘Apalachee’ cultivar. Conversely, varieties like ‘Biloxi’ and ‘Red Rocket’ consistently recorded fewer bee visits, showing that cultivar selection influences the plant’s value.
Small bees were the most common visitors observed, though honeybees and carpenter bees were also frequent foragers. Small shrubs typically attract more activity than larger tree-sized specimens. This variation means that horticultural choices directly determine the specific support provided to different pollinator groups.
Understanding the Attraction Mechanism
The biological reason for the attraction lies in the unique structure of the crepe myrtle flower, which offers a specialized reward. Crepe myrtles produce two distinct types of pollen from different sets of stamens. One type is for reproduction, while the other is sterile, food-grade pollen specifically structured for collection by pollinators.
This food pollen is a valuable source of protein and fat, necessary components of a bee’s diet. Bees actively collect this nutrient-rich pollen, which is suggested to be high in nutritional value. Although the flowers do not produce traditional nectar, these two specialized pollen types facilitate insect visitation.
An additional factor drawing bees is honeydew, a sugary substance produced by the crepe myrtle aphid. When these aphids are present, they excrete this sweet liquid. This honeydew serves as a supplementary carbohydrate source for bees and wasps, especially when natural nectar flows are low. The attraction combines the plant’s deliberate pollen offering and an incidental sugar source created by a common pest.
Comparing Crepe Myrtles to Primary Pollinator Sources
Crepe myrtles gain importance due to their long blooming period during a time of scarcity. Their flowers are available during the mid-to-late summer, an interval often called a “nectar dearth” when many other blooms have faded. This provides a reliable, supplemental food source when other options are limited, helping alleviate stress on local bee populations.
Crepe myrtles should not be considered a substitute for native, high-value forage plants like clover or local wildflowers. The interaction between native bees and the non-native crepe myrtle can be weak, with bees quickly switching to other resources if available. The plant functions as an opportunistic resource, offering pollen when bees need it most, particularly in fragmented urban and suburban environments.
For gardeners focused on supporting pollinators, the crepe myrtle is best viewed as a complementary addition to a landscape already featuring pollen- and nectar-rich species. Recognizing cultivar variation allows for informed planting decisions that maximize supplemental forage during the warm-season lull.