Blooms for Mason Bees
A project made possible by the USDA.
We know pollinators need blooms to do their work, but which flowers are best?
With your help, we’re finding out.
About the project
The Osmia Bee Company is designing a seed mix to support springtime pollinators — particularly Mason Bees. The blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) is the most agriculturally important species in North America; they rapidly pollinate edible plants like apples, almonds, cherries, pears, raspberries, and so much more.
Currently, no springtime seed mix has been developed for Midwestern pollinators. This project changes that! We have deployed Mason Bees and shelters across Ohio to collect and analyze the pollen collected. This will tell us which flowering plants Mason Bees are using to survive and reproduce. Then, our friends at Ohio Prairie Nursery will develop a seed mix of annual and perennial plants for farmers, orchardists, backyard gardeners, and anyone who wants to save the bees.
Our Partners
Thank you to our collaborators, who without this research would not be possible.
Blooms for Mason Bees is funded by the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant. Supporters across Ohio are assisting with the management of Mason Bee shelters including The Strange Lab at The Ohio State University, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, GreenAcres Foundation, and backyard gardeners. Once collected, pollen samples are sent to Natalie Boyle at Penn State University’s Center for Pollinator Research for DNA metabarcoding.
Stay in touch.
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Let’s chat.
info@osmiabee.com