Lawns to Legumes April 2020 Update

Everyone has been talking about seeing big Bumblebees flying around lately (or accidentally digging one up from the ground or leaves!).  I finally just saw one flying around a few minutes ago.  It seemed to be finding a few of the flowers that are just barely opening right now in my yard.


If you see a big fat Bumblebee in April, and for the next few weeks too, you can be rest assured that is a Queen Bumblebee.  As Bumblebees do, their entire family died off in the fall, and this mated female (called a gyne) is responsible now for waking up from hibernation, getting pollen/nectar right away for strength, then looking for a place to make a nest and raise this year’s generation of Bumblebees.  Quite a responsibility!


The early pollen/nectar sources in April and May actually don’t come from too many small flowering plants, but rather native trees and shrubs, such as Red Maple, Black Cherry, American Basswood, Serviceberry, Redbud, Dogwoods, Pussy Willow, Elderberry, American Wild Plum, etc. 

Beware planting too many cultivated varieties of plants because these are usually selected for color and looks, and the trade off is little to no pollen or nectar for Bumblebees.  When in doubt, plant a native plant.  More info at www.bwsr.state.mn.us/L2L


If you see a Queen Bumblebee cruising low along the ground, stopping occasionally at holes in the ground, it is looking for a home to lay eggs and start that family.  An abandoned chipmunk, mouse, or other rodent hole is a preferred site.  Almost any opening will have to do in a pinch, though – above ground in a hollow log or pile of wood, for example.  And it seems like one Queen always finds its way into my garage each year, and makes a family.


I have no idea if that Bumblebee I saw today was the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee that our community is trying to save from extinction through the Lawns to Legumes program.  Unfortunately, the Rusty Queen does not have that distinctive “rusty patch” on their back like her offspring will.  But all our pollinators are imperiled these days, so let the Queens live please, and give her sanctuary in your yard if you can.  And the circle of life will continue.


I will try to give an update on our Bumblebees and Community efforts each month.  Even if you don’t have a yard, it will be fun to try and find a Rusty Patched this summer while we wait out this pandemic (what else is there to do?).  I took a class on Bumblebee ID at the UofM, so if any of you want some resources for learning about Bumblebees and ID sheets for identifying the 22 or so Bumblebee species that can be found in the Twin Cities, just use the Contact Me buton, and I can send to you.  And download the Bumblebee Watch app on your phone.


The Habitat Mentorship is already underway, and the next opportunity is signing up for a Pollinator Raingarden through the Longfellow Community Council and Metro Blooms.  Applications will be available this week – please contact Justin at Justin@longfellow.org to get on the list for that.