All plants in this table can be found in North Carolina; those that are native to North Carolina can be used in landscaping. Some of the non-native species, such as white clover, are widely established in lawns and gardens where they do little harm and may provide useful resources. Invasive and problematic plant species are highlighted red with bolded text; we do not recommend adding or encouraging these species in a home landscape.
Table A2-1. Plants with leaves and fibers used as nesting materials.
| Latin name | Common name | Native to North Carolina* | Used by | Parts used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer | maple | mixed | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Alcea rosea | hollyhock | no | Megachile | petal pieces |
| Alnus | alder | mixed | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Amelanchier | serviceberry | yes | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Betula | birch | mixed | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Betula lenta | sweet birch, cherry birch, black birch | yes (M, P) | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Senna | cassia | no | Megachile | leaf and petal pieces |
| Cercis canadensis | redbud | yes | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Cirsium | thistle | mixed (C. arvense and C. vulgare) | Anthidium | fibers |
| Clematis | clematis, curlyheads | Mixed (C. terniflora) | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Cornus | dogwood | mixed | Megachile | leaf pieces and pulp |
| Corylus | hazel, hazelnut | yes | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Crocanthemum georgianum | Georgia sunrose | yes (C) | Osmia | leaf pulp |
| Epilobium | willow-herb, willowherb | mixed (E. hirsutum) | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Fagopyrum esculentum | buckwheat | no | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Fragaria | strawberry | mixed | Hoplitis, Megachile | leaf pieces and pulp |
| Humulus | hops | mixed (H. japonicus) | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Medicago sativa | alfalfa | no | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Oenothera | primrose, evening primrose | yes | Hoplitis, Megachile | leaf pulp |
| Polygonum | knotweed | mostly no | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Populus | poplar | mixed (P. alba) | Megachile |
leaf pieces |
| Ribes | gooseberry, currant | many species (M) | Megachile |
leaf pieces |
| Rosa | rose, wild rose | mixed (several invasive species) | Megachile |
leaf and petal pieces |
| Salix | willow | mixed (S. alba) | Megachile |
leaf pieces |
| Smilax | greenbriar, carrion flower | yes | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Spiraea | spiraea | mixed (S. japonica) | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Symphoricarpos | snowberry | yes | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Trifolium repens | white clover | no | Megachile | leaf pieces |
| Vitis | grape | mixed | Megachile | leaf pieces |
* Plants that are only reported to genus often include a mix of native and non-native species. Before acquiring plants from these genera, confirm that the species you have in mind is not invasive; major invasive groups or species are highlighted in red text. Where species are native to only part of the state, they are indicated with M (mountains), P (piedmont), or C (coastal plain).
Publication date: July 6, 2022
AG-915
Other Publications in How to Manage a Successful Bee Hotel
- What is a Bee Hotel?
- Meet the Residents
- Bee Hotel Design and Placement
- What If Bee Hotels Aren’t Actually Good for Bees?
- Appendix 1. Bee Hotel Checklist
- Appendix 2. Plants with Leaves and Fibers Used as Construction Materials in the Nest Interior
- Appendix 3. Plants that Produce Hollow or Pithy Twigs and Stems Used by Nesting Bees in Eastern North America
- Appendix 4. Building Plans for a Simple Bee Hotel Shelter
- Appendix 5. Additional Resources
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