Clusters of flowers appear in August on The Bee Bee tree
If you tell your friends and neighbors that you are growing a “Bee Bee” tree for your bees, they will probably think you are kidding! A magnet for pollinators of all kinds, it is a a great small tree, also known as Korean evodia (Evodia daniellii or Tetradium daniellii). Unknown outside of horticultural circles it deserves wider recognition. The tree is a small ornamental tree, generally no taller than 25 feet, but can reach 40 feet. Dark green leathery leaves provide some shade underneath. Best planted at the edge of woodland areas in partial or full sun or as a stand alone specimen tree, the bark is smooth and gray, like beech tree bark. The Bee Bee grows quickly, sometimes more than two feet a year, and the tree is deciduous and most important – deer resistant.
Blooming in mid to late summer with clusters of long-lasting creamy white flowers, reddish seedpods follow to add some color to the late summer landscape. Few other trees are blooming at this time so the Bee Bee is welcomed by hordes of buzzing bees that literally cover the branches and creates a low roar of sound that will advertise its presence to everyone nearby. My friend only discovered the tree on his large property by the constant noise that made him investigate the source.
Seeds spread easily by birds and because of this trait can be invasive in some situations and on a “watch list species” In PA. Growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, this tree is easily grown and available on line by transplants or seeds. I have never seen it available in a commercial retail nursery. For a great reference on the tree, go to the Department of Natural Resources.
6 Comments
I want a Bee bee tree, where can I buy it. Please send information
got mine from esty.com
Shame on you for promoting the planting of the Bee Bee Tree. It’s a dangerous invasive and recommended planting is irresponsible especially since there are so many wonderful native trees available that support bees, other wildlife, and the environment as a whole.
Why would you even think of suggesting a tree that is definitely considered invasive in some parts of the U.S.? Possibly MOST of the U.S. I think you give people way too much benefit of the doubt. Do you ever wonder why its not found in local nurseries? As a land manager who deals with invasive plants on a regular basis, I wish you wouldn’t suggest foreign plants for the masses. Leave these for the professionals please.
The REDBUD is our state’s OFFICIAL TREE, yet the birds and wind spread that tree’s seeds. It’s NATURE, for Christ’s Sake! Planting in an area on the edge of the treeline and mowing(as we do in our back yard, we are NOT being irresponsible in having a source of much needed forage(nectar and pollen) for our bees when little is available for them in the heat of summer. My guess is that you folks have been brainwashed by Extension Centers.I WAS a Master Gardener and could NOT in good conscience tell people to use chemicals! We actually pot up bee plants and SHARE them with other beekeepers! I suggest that humanity needs to learn to “Bloom where WE are planted and read Doug Tallamy’s “Bringing Nature Home!”
If you’ll kill off the males (pollen producers) then the females won’t make seeds. The females make the nectar that bees love.