What do bees naturally eat in autumn?

[drmanhadan]

What sorts of plants or trees do bees naturally collect pollen from in the autumn, or right before the winter? If there are no vegetative plants, like squash or eggplant, what sorts of trees or shrubs do they target?

-Thanks!

[jadell]

It depends on the locale. We have golden rod and aster here. Not sure what's in Texas.

[johng]

Same here Golden rod, Asters, Golden Rain tree. Golden Rod and Aster are native to most of the U.S. there are several different varieties. Some locals like South Florida have a major flow from Brazilian Pepper. Up in the North they get a good flow from farmers growing Rape. I'm sure other place have some specialized plants that produce a good flow in the fall. But, you will have to ask some local Beeks if your area has any.

[tsmullins]

Like others have said, goldenrod and asters are heavily worked. Here we also have Joe Pye Weed and some purple loosestrife in the wet areas. Vines such as clematis are common here as well.

As far as trees and shrubs, you could throw in Crape Myrtles and Witch Hazel come to mind. The Korean Evodia's bloom late summer to fall, but they are rare at best. Not sure about Texas however.

HTH,
Shane

[tsmullins]

Forgot to add Sumac, our bees work it pretty heavy in the fall. Some sumac blooms late summer and some in the fall.