Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to look at bee visitation to some common forage plants that could be used in place of or in conjunction with turfgrasses and to compare establishment methods to increase pollinator forage in turfed landscapes. Bee foraging patterns were assessed on four flower species: white clover (Trifolium repens L.), medium and mammoth red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L. var lanceolata [Barton] Fern.) by conducting quadrat surveys on two floral plots in southern Rhode Island. Flower species were planted in randomized replicated plots to assess comparative foraging patterns of local bee species. Medium Trifolium pratense had the highest number and diversity of bee foragers in 2022. In 2023, T. pratense maintained high visitation, but the trend in diversity of visitors shifted, with T. repens and P. vulgaris having the highest bee species richness. Floral visitation generally followed shifting floral abundances, with some variation among bee species, potentially due to selective preferences. Overall, Trifolium spp. and P. vulgaris are valuable floral resources that support a wide range of bee species and can be included in pollinator plantings, incorporated into mowed turf areas/lawns, or used separately to enhance available bee forage. We also present results on the effectiveness of five different methods (flail mowing, flail mowing/slice seeding, rototilling, herbicide, and occultation via weed fabric) in establishing these four species as well as creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) in turf.

IPC Classification

Keywords