Introduced 'trees for bees' Spotter Guide

In the outdoors, find and learn the names of introduced trees that bees love. What benefits do bees get from them? Learn why we need more 'bee trees'.

Learning Intentions

Students will be able to:

  • use flowers to identify introduced 'bee trees' (and shrubs)
  • explain the benefits of bee trees
  • appreciate that bee trees are needed in greater numbers to help bee populations flourish.

Spot flowers that bees love

  1. Use the spotter guide below to identify New Zealand non-native trees that bees love. At what times of the year were they flowering when you found them?

    Download Introduced 'trees for bees'     (pdf, A4)

  2. Were bees actually foraging on the flowers? Why or why not?
  3. What do you observe about the flowers and how they might be attracting bees?
  4. Discuss what benefits bees gain from the flowers.
  5. How can you tell if bees are collecting nectar or pollen?
  6. Discuss why bees might need more sources of food. Where might their food sources have gone?


Hints and tips

  • Warning: Do not get within 0.5 m of bees that are foraging on flowers. Mitigate any risks associated with potential stings and allergic reactions by being prepared with a risk assessment plan, appropriate permissions, medicines and adult supervision.

Related resources

Native trees for bees Spotter Guide

Selecting trees for bees Activity

Flowers for bees

Pollinator pulling power

Pollinators in New Zealand

Trees for bees — keeping bees healthy

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