Flowers aren’t the only way to bring pollinators flocking to your garden—native trees can do the job just as well, if not better. With vibrant blooms, sweet fruit, and year-round charm, these trees provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and more.
Here are seven native trees that will transform your yard into a pollinator paradise while adding beauty to your outdoor space.
1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Native to: Eastern and Central U.S.
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, especially early spring pollinators, and butterflies.
Known for its bright pink to purple flowers that bloom in early spring before most trees even begin to bud, this tree is a big hit with pollinators because its flowers provide an early food source when other plants haven’t started blooming yet.
Bees love visiting these flowers, gathering nectar, and helping with pollination. The heart-shaped leaves and small size make it a perfect tree for smaller yards or garden spaces.
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2. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Native to: Southeastern U.S.
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, beetles, and other insects.
The Southern Magnolia is famous for its large, fragrant white flowers. Bees are especially drawn to the sweet nectar in the blossoms, while beetles are also known to visit the flowers.
According to The National Wetlands Research Center, the southern magnolia is adapting to help bees with pollination. (ref) The Southern Magnolia is a hardy tree that grows well in warm climates, and it can provide a lovely, aromatic addition to any garden.
3. American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
- Native to: Eastern U.S.
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and birds.
Small, fragrant flowers bloom from this tree in late spring. These flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the fruit that follows also brings in birds, making it a great all-around pollinator tree.
The persimmon’s sweet fruits can be eaten once ripe, attracting wildlife like birds and deer. It’s a slower-growing tree, but it is worth the wait for its beautiful flowers and edible fruits.
4. Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
- Native to: North America (mainly Eastern and Central U.S.)
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and birds.
In early spring, it blooms with white flowers that smell sweet and attract different species of bees and butterflies. Once the flowers turn into berries, birds love to munch on them, making it a great tree for birdwatchers.
The tree’s pretty leaves change color in the fall, giving you year-round beauty. It’s a versatile tree that does well in many types of soil and adds a lot of character to any yard.
5. Mulberry (Morus spp.)
- Native to: Eastern and Central U.S. (the red mulberry is native, while the white mulberry is from Asia)
- Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Mulberry trees are famous for their delicious, sweet berries, which are loved by birds. But before the fruit appears, the tree offers small, greenish flowers that attract bees and butterflies looking for nectar.
Mulberries grow quickly, so you’ll enjoy shade and fruit faster than you might think! They’re a bit messy, as the berries can fall and stain, but the trees are fantastic for supporting local wildlife, including pollinators.
6. Maple (Acer spp.)
- Native to: North America (Eastern and Central U.S. for most species)
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, especially early-season bees.
A staple in many yards and forests, ample trees offer something special in the spring. Before their leaves appear, they bloom with small, red or yellow flowers that are perfect for bees.
These early blooms are crucial for bees coming out of winter, as they’re one of the first food sources they can find. Maple trees are famous for their stunning fall colors and the syrup made from their sap.
7. Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria)
- Native to: Eastern U.S.
- Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
A beautiful and fragrant option for attracting pollinators, it blooms in spring with small, white or pink flowers that bees can’t resist. The blossoms are also a favorite for butterflies and hummingbirds.
After flowering, the tree produces small, tart apples that are loved by birds and other wildlife. It’s a great tree if you’re looking for a pollinator-friendly plant that offers both beauty and function. Plus, its fruit adds an extra food source for birds later in the season.
All of these native trees are perfect for attracting a variety of pollinators while adding color and interest to your yard. Whether it’s early spring blooms, sweet fruit, or autumn color, these trees have something to offer to both you and the buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and chirping birds!
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.