Publications

Five finger is a Star Performer because it flowers from the middle of winter to early spring (June to August) when few other plants are flowering. Pollen from five finger can fully support spring bee colony “build-up” if enough flowering trees are within bee foraging range. (PDF File, 429.3 KB)

New Zealand Flax for Summer

New Zealand Flax is a Star Performer because the pollen has the highest protein that we have ever measured (up to 45%), and plenty of pollen is produced. This native plant flowers anytime from October to January depending on the location and variety. (PDF File, 552.6 KB)

Lacebarks for autumn

Of the seven native species of Hoheria (lacebarks, houhere, ribbonwood), two are Star Performers because they flower in autumn during the stark shortage of other flowers. These two species are Hoheria populnea and H. sexstylosa; both are outstanding trees/shrubs with a profusion of showy white scented flowers. Both contribute abundant pollen and nectar. (PDF File, 551.3 KB)

Rosemary flowers most of the time

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a Star Performer because the aromatic flowers are highly attractive to bees and the plants are almost always in flower. Honey bees are constantly visiting even isolated shrubs in the city. (PDF File, 485.4 KB)

Pip Fruits in Rose family

In the Rose family, the pip fruit trees, (e.g. pears, apples, crab-apples, and quinces) are Star Performers because of their massive flower density and high protein content in the pollen (22% – 28%). (PDF File, 569.1 KB)