Ya know, much as I hate the henbit deadnettle that thrives in the 10x150 stretch of my yard down by the street, I have to admit it's the best bloomer in late winter/early spring. I haven't been as adamant about getting rid of it as I could be because I want the pollinators to have some food when they're out in the early spring

Good for you. Late winter and early spring are critical times for honey bees.

I'm certain that at least one of my neighbors is less than thrilled, but until I can oversow it with clover, the henbit will stay.

Absolutely nothing is blooming since we get temperatures well below freezing right now, but I've seen honey bees on the apples on the ground when it's a bit warm out. It surprised me since I thought they'd still all be in the hive this time of year. But there were hundreds of honey bees on the apples. They were definitely honey bees, not yellow jackets, which I think are all dead this time of year.

If it's warm enough and sunny they do get out for cleansing flights and if they spot a source of food they will forage. Our bees still have enough food but it has been warm enough for them a few days last week that they went and collected something. They also collected something from some sawdust, I have no idea what they are getting from that.

Sap?

Nice article Margaret. I love the plant lists. makes things easy to plan. Thank you.

This is a good idea---to tell us which plants are good for the bees at various
times of the year.
The January one is not applicable up here as it has been cold for a spell.
Now it seems to be warming up and bees may come out.

We've got an Arizona Ash here that's blooming early...that's where the bees are here!

Henbit all over my back yard. It's blooming right now and soon the scene will be a sea of pinkish-purple. I'm one weird-o who loves it. And the bees too, of course. It was 62º here yesterday and will be 65º today. Bee activity for sure! Wild violets ... some of my daffs are even getting ready to pop into bloom. I think it's still January???

Another use for Henbit http://healthiveg.com/2011/04/...

Yes, and I've got dandelions blooming now as well. Great in salads or on sandwiches ... both the greens and the flowers. The early ones are the best (dandenlions).

Thanks everyone. I'm glad you are enjoying these articles. I apologize for being so late with this one; life got in the way.

Ann it must be the sap since they don't bother the wood pile that's dried out.

I'm enjoying hearing what's blooming in the different areas so keep those coming.

GREAT article Margaret!

Tee, I'm with you, I like the henbit and it's all over our yard as well.

Makes me feel good that I'm not alone.

Thanks Vic.

Me too about henbit.

They are out there every day on that Arizona Ash. They also go to blooming Rue, but mainly just that tree. It's a weird winter, been unseasonably warm for about a month.

Wow! Wonder if that will grow in my yard? (FAR away from the house, though)

It literally grows like a weed here! I didn't know what it was for many years after it came up.