The Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as the Crepe Myrtle, is a widely planted ornamental tree in the southern United States, celebrated for its long-lasting, vibrant summer blooms. This durable plant thrives in warm climates and provides a spectacular display of color when many other flowering trees have finished their cycle. As gardeners increasingly focus on supporting local ecosystems, a common question arises: does the Crepe Myrtle contribute meaningfully to the health of the bee population?
The Definitive Answer: Crepe Myrtle’s Significant Bee Appeal
Recent research strongly indicates that Crepe Myrtles are important pollen resources for both honeybees and a variety of native bee species, particularly during the mid-to-late summer months. This time of year often presents a significant “nectar dearth” where other major floral sources are unavailable, making the Crepe Myrtle’s contribution substantial. Studies tracking bee visitation on multi-cultivar plantings have confirmed that bees actively forage on the flowers for pollen. While all established cultivars are visited, different bee species show marked preferences for certain varieties. For instance, ‘Seminole’ and ‘Victor’ are frequently visited by a wide range of bees, while larger bumblebees often prefer the ‘Apalachee’ cultivar.
The Botanical Reasons for Pollen Attraction
The Crepe Myrtle flower is unique because it is one of the few bee-visited plants that produces virtually no nectar, yet it remains a valuable food source. Instead of offering a sugary liquid, the flower provides a specialized “feed pollen” system. The plant exhibits a condition called heteranthery, meaning it produces two physically and chemically distinct types of pollen from two sets of anthers. Six peripheral anthers produce the reproductive pollen necessary for fertilization, which is often blue-green and high in sucrose. A central tuft contains 35 to 40 smaller anthers, which produce bright yellow “feed pollen” designed for insect consumption.
Attracting Other Beneficial Garden Visitors
Beyond bees, the Crepe Myrtle’s long blooming season and bright coloration make it attractive to several other beneficial garden residents. Butterflies, especially larger species like swallowtails, frequently visit the flowers for the pollen they produce. The tree’s profuse clusters of blooms also act as a beacon for hummingbirds, which are drawn to the vibrant colors. The tree plays a role in supporting beneficial predatory insects. Crepe Myrtles are susceptible to the crape myrtle aphid, which excretes a sugary substance known as honeydew. This honeydew attracts natural pest enemies such as syrphid flies, lady beetles, and lacewings, helping to maintain biological control in the garden ecosystem.
Gardener Practices for Pollinator Health
Gardeners can take specific actions to ensure their Crepe Myrtles support a healthy pollinator population.
Chemical Avoidance
The most important practice is to avoid the use of systemic insecticides, especially during the long bloom period. Because the tree harbors beneficial predatory insects and its flowers are actively used by bees, applying these chemicals can harm the creatures the gardener is trying to support.
Cultivar Selection and Companion Planting
When planting new trees, selecting cultivars that have been scientifically documented as bee-preferred, such as ‘Seminole’ or ‘Apalachee,’ can maximize the tree’s ecological contribution. Gardeners should also select single-petaled varieties, as double-petaled flowers can obscure the valuable feed pollen. To compensate for the Crepe Myrtle’s lack of nectar, implement companion planting strategies using high-nectar plants nearby. This provides bees with a balanced diet of protein-rich pollen and energy-rich nectar.