NC Pollinator Bloom Calendar

Late Winter / Early Spring (Feb–Mar)

Red maple (pollen), willows (pollen and nectar), henbit, purple deadnettle, dandelion, chickweed, spring beauties. These early bloomers are lifelines for bees emerging from winter dormancy.

Spring (Apr–May)

Redbud (nectar), serviceberry, dogwood, violets, wild indigo, Carolina phlox, black cherry, blueberry bushes, New Jersey tea, clovers begin blooming.

Late Spring / Early Summer (May–Jun)

Tulip poplar (major honey flow), black locust, elderberry, milkweeds begin, bee balm, coreopsis, yarrow, buttonbush begins.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Sourwood (premium honey flow — mountains/Piedmont), milkweeds peak, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, mountain mint, Joe-Pye weed, ironweed, blazing star, basswood/linden, sumac.

Late Summer / Fall (Aug–Nov)

Goldenrod (critical fall nectar), asters (critical fall pollen and nectar), ironweed, boneset, Joe-Pye weed, late milkweeds, fall-blooming witch hazel.

The Danger Zones

Late February through March and late October through November are the most critical periods — very few plants are blooming. Every early-spring "weed" (henbit, deadnettle, dandelion) and every late-fall native (goldenrod, asters) is literally a matter of survival for pollinators. These are the worst times to spray.

Key Takeaway

A healthy pollinator landscape needs something blooming in every season. Plant a mix of trees (early pollen), shrubs (spring/summer nectar), wildflowers (continuous bloom), and native grasses (habitat). Aim for at least 10–15 species to cover the full calendar. See our planting guides to get started.