Bee Spotlight - Why Bees Love Fall Flowers

You may think that summer is prime time for pollinators, think again.  Fall blooms like goldenrod and asters are essential for bees.  These late-season flower provide vital nectar and pollen.

For honeybees and other pollinators, fall is one of the most important times of the year. As colonies prepare for winter, bees rely on late-blooming flowers like goldenrod, asters, and sunflowers to build up their reserves of nectar and pollen.

These autumn blossoms may not look as showy as spring tulips or summer roses, but they provide exactly what bees need: high-quality nectar for energy and pollen packed with protein. Without this fall forage, colonies would head into winter with less food stored — making survival much harder.

The good news? Anyone can help. By planting pollinator-friendly flowers in your yard, leaving patches of wildflowers untouched, or simply letting a corner of your garden “go natural,” you’re giving bees an essential food source when it matters most. Small actions add up, and your choices this season can help ensure local bees thrive through the winter and return stronger next spring.