Joe Zeleznik, a forester with North Dakota State University Extension, said on Apr. 28 that bees, insects, and even some birds play an important part in helping trees reproduce. Zeleznik described his experiences as a beekeeper and discussed how these animals interact with various tree species.
Pollinators are vital for the reproduction of many tree species. Trees often provide nectar to attract animals, which then move pollen between flowers. Zeleznik said, “The honeybees, along with myriad native insects and even a few bird species, are critical partners in helping trees reproduce. In general, the trees produce a sweet nectar for the animal, while the animal moves around pollen for the plants.” He also noted that sometimes insects use some of the pollen for their own nutrition.
Zeleznik explained that trees with showy flowers are usually pollinated by insects. Examples include chokecherries and juneberries found in his yard. Forsythias are among the first shrubs to bloom each year with bright yellow flowers. His favorite tree-flower comes from the northern catalpa: “Catalpa has clusters of large, multicolored, trumpet-shaped flowers. These are primarily pollinated by bumblebees and, surprisingly, moths.” Northern catalpa grows best in southern North Dakota but may need extra care further north.
Not all trees rely on animals for pollination; some use wind instead. American elm is one of the earliest wind-pollinated trees to flower each spring in North Dakota; others include boxelder, willows and aspens. Spruce trees flower slightly later with small pink or purple cones at branch tips before new leaves appear.
Zeleznik pointed out challenges associated with wind-pollinated species: “All that pollen in the air can be tough on some people… I’m actually allergic to cottonwood pollen.” The result of successful pollination is fruit production—some edible like chokecherries or juneberries—and seed dispersal.
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Birds also contribute as specialized pollinators for certain plants—even if not always for trees directly—with ruby-throated hummingbirds visiting honeysuckle vines mentioned by Zeleznik: “Okay, that’s not a tree. But its flowers, and the hummingbirds, are beautiful!”
