• wise_pancake@lemmy.ca
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    4 days ago

    I thought dandelions were now recognized as not a great food source for bees

    We converted most of our yard into a native wildflower garden and I see a lot of bees these days. We also get fireflies in the summer now.

    • bluebadoo@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      This! Dandelion pollen does not contain all the amino acids necessary to support native bees. However, because they come up first and bees often become attracted to the first things they feed on, they can actually make bees addicted to them. Because they can’t meet their nutritional requirements with them, they die.

      Plant native plants people!

        • Resonosity@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          3 days ago

          The source that used brings is based on oral knowledge and communication. Others in that thread point out how that type of knowledge is not sufficient to make a scientific claim, and I would agree with that.

          I’d say the jury is still out on whether dandelions are native to NA or not.

        • bluebadoo@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          Fair point. I’m speaking from a North American perspective, but others have pointed out they may be a native or long naturalized plant.

          Ultimately, planting species that are from your local area is better for the native bees of of your area as they are adapted to them.