Pollinator-Friendly Trees & Shrubs for Urban Sites
Enhancing green spaces in London where all natural pollinators can thrive, and their habitats can be enjoyed by all.
Pollinator-Friendly Trees & Shrubs for Urban Sites
Supporting Wild Pollinators Across the Seasons
Urban pollinators require continuous access to nectar and pollen from early spring through autumn. This guide highlights trees and shrubs suitable for urban environments, with an emphasis on species that support wild pollinators. Where possible, native species are prioritised.
Winter & Early Spring (Critical Forage Period)
Early flowering species are vital for queen bumblebees and solitary bees emerging from winter. Early forage reduces stress during critical colony establishment periods.
Recommended trees and shrubs:
- Salix species (willow) — native, excellent early pollen source
- Mahonia species — reliable late-winter nectar
- Viburnum tinus — flowers from autumn through early spring
- Sarcococca species (sweet box)
- Lonicera × purpusii (winter-flowering honeysuckle)
Spring
Spring blossom provides abundant nectar and pollen. Native species support a broader range of insects beyond pollinators alone.
- Crataegus monogyna (native hawthorn) — exceptionally valuable for a wide range of insects
- Prunus avium (wild cherry)
- Malus species (crab apple)
- Acer campestre (field maple)
- Cornus mas (cornelian cherry)
Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) — provides very early blossom before leaves emerge
Summer (Peak Activity)
Summer diversity sustains large pollinator populations. Choose cultivars with accessible nectar and pollen — avoid highly ornamental varieties bred for appearance rather than ecological function.
- Tilia species (lime) — exceptionally high nectar production
- Sorbus aucuparia (rowan) — flowers May to June, bridging late spring and early summer
- Buddleja davidii — highly attractive to butterflies and bees, but note this species can self-seed aggressively and is considered invasive in the UK. Seek sterile cultivars or consider native alternatives such as Buddleja globosa or Ceanothus species.
- Lavandula angustifolia
- Salvia species
- Rosa species — choose single-flowered varieties that allow access to pollen
- Viburnum lantana (wayfaring tree)
Autumn (Bridging the Gap)
Late-season flowers are essential for pollinators building reserves before winter.
- Hedera helix (native ivy) — one of the most important late-season plants for wild pollinators, providing nectar and pollen when little else is available
- Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree)
- Fatsia japonica
- Tilia henryana (Henry’s lime) — flowers later than other limes
Design Considerations for City Sites
- Prioritise diversity across flowering periods — aim for something in flower from February through to November
- Avoid excessive honeybee hive placement in areas with limited floral resources
- Choose drought-tolerant plants for exposed, hard-landscaped sites
- Avoid highly cultivated varieties with doubled flowers, which often have reduced or inaccessible nectar and pollen
- Reduce hardstanding where possible to increase the area available for planting
Key Takeaways
- Continuous seasonal forage from early spring to late autumn is critical
- Native species often support a greater range of insects than non-natives
- Trees provide high-volume blossom and are among the most valuable pollinator plants
- Shrubs add structural diversity and support layered habitats
- Urban planting decisions have a direct and measurable influence on pollinator survival