Bees need protein and fat sourced from pollen in flowers as it is needed to feed developing larvae.
Daisies are good for bees because they offer nectar for them just like several other flowers. Most importantly, however, daisies provide a lot of pollen. The flowers that have one ring of petals possess and provide more nectar and pollen than flowers with double-ringed flowers.
Extra petals on the double-ringed flowers have taken the place of pollen-laden anthers.
How these affect bees are that the double rings make it harder for bees to get to the inner parts of the flower.
Colorful flowers and those with flat or shallow flowers appeal to bees.
Daisies have all these characteristics and bees are most attracted to them.
What are the Benefits/ Advantages of Daisies for Bees?
Nutritionally, bees require amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins and water. To get these nutrients, bees collect nectar, pollen and water.
- A source of Water
Bees source water just anywhere they can. The source of water for bees includes ponds, streams and even leaky taps.
More so, the petals of daisies can hold raindrops or dew at times. When the weather is hot, fanned and evaporated droplets of water goes into the hive by the bees.
In addition to hydration, water also provides essential minerals for bees.
- A source of energy
Nectar, which daisies offer, is the main source of carbohydrate for bees. The energy needed for flight, maintenance of the colony and days to day activities are found here.
Bees will die within a matter of days if they do not have a steady source of carbohydrates.
This shows the importance of colonies having sufficient honey stored up in the winter. Honey is produced from nectar, which bees can get from daisies.
Various minerals which include calcium, potassium, sodium, copper and magnesium are also sourced from nectar, which are vital nutritional requirements for bees.
- A source of Protein
Mineral’s fat and lipids, vitamins are contained in pollen, as well as protein which is the bee’s primary source of protein.
Protein provided by pollen is key to foster the production and development of larvae and young bees.
It is the food source that is most nutritionally variable which honey bees use.
Pollen found in daisies contains water, crude protein, ether extract, carbohydrates, including reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and starch, ash and some unknown.
Protein provided by pollen is essential for hive growth, however, the general nutritional content varies by the floral source.
Related: Here is an article I wrote on are hydrangeas good for bees?
Do bees use daisies?
There’s no use buying it if you’re not going to use it, right? Well, this doesn’t just apply to humans. Bees can also relate to this.
The collection of pollen is for the feeding of their young ones and themselves.
The hive is probably the most use of daisies by bees. Early sources of pollen are also quite useful for bumblebee queens both before hibernation for the wintertime, and after their emergence in spring.
Why are daisies good for bees?
The daisy is a flower that is good for bees because they are one of the highly evolved flowering plants.
A single flower head on a daisy actually consists of two types of flowers.
The ray flower that rings the center disc is flat, with broad petals and is sterile as it doesn’t produce any pollen.
The center disc of a daisy is consisting of hundreds of tiny flowers that produce pollen and nectar for bees and pollinators.
The nectar and pollen in the center disc are easily accessible by any insect.
Are daisies good pollinators?
Yes, daisies are good pollinators. As a matter of fact, the pollen and nectar of daises can be found in the center disc of the flowers, right where the bees can easily locate them.
Daisies are always covered in yellow and white colors which are quite attractive to bees.
When the bees get close to them, they suck their nectar.
Bees are covered in fuzzy hairs that help them pick up and carry pollen back to their hives after they are done sucking the nectar.
Also check out this article on how strong bees really are
Are common daisies good for bees?
Common daisy flowers are good for bees and their bright, white petals and yellow center are quite attractive to bees.
This is a good thing for bees because no one would like to eat something they don’t find attractive.
While this is a good thing for the bees, it is an even greater thing for the flowers because they rely on bees for pollination and this process bypasses pollen collection.
Do oxeye daisies attract bees?
The oxeye daisy is a beautiful species of daisy flower that are surrounded by about 30 white petals; however, the plant has the ability to evade measures and take control of your space.
The plant spreads aggressively by producing seeds underground through spreading rhizomes, eventually finding its way into unwanted areas, especially the areas you don’t want them going.
Oxeye daisies, like every other daisy, can attract bees because of how beautiful their colors are.
Their nectar and pollen help to keep bees healthy.
Do bees like English daisies
Yes, bees like English daisies a lot. As a matter of fact, honeybees are especially fond of English daisies because of their exceptionally beautiful colors and sweet fragrance.
Not to mention their rich pollen supply.
The English daisy is a charming flower with a widely varying reputation.
In some parts of the world, it is considered a lovely garden flower, while in other parts it is viewed as a pesky weed.
This type of daisy is undeniably beautiful and pleasing to look at, especially when they decide to grow on spots that you don’t particularly want them in.
Just like the Oxeye daisy, English daisies have the tendencies to be invasive as well as they can take over your place before you know it.
Conclusion
Daisies are known to be good for bees especially since their pollen is quite rich with nutrients that will leave bees healthy after they have partaken of it.
