Blue Orchard Bee, Osmia lignaria (western U.S. only*)

The blue orchard bee is a docile bee native to North America. Adult bees emerge from their cocoons in the spring when fruit trees and many of our native shrubs and herbs are in bloom. These highly efficient pollinators increase fruit production as well as improve the overall health of their ecosystems. This mason bee uses mud to build nest partitions and protect their young from invading pests. They are fun to watch throughout the spring and are an important member of western ecosystems. (*This bee species is available in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.)

Horn-faced Bee, Osmia cornifrons (midwestern and eastern U.S. only*)

Horn-faced bees were introduced to the United States by the USDA decades ago and are now well established across the Midwest and Eastern regions, where they are actively used for pollination. They are a recognized, non-invasive species and do not harm other bees. Like blue orchard bees, horn-faced bees are active in early spring, emerging when fruit trees, shrubs, and early-season blooms need pollination most. While they use mud to build their nesting chambers, they also incorporate leaf pulp—making them slightly more adaptable in certain environments.

Horn-faced bees are particularly well suited to humid conditions and can tolerate colder climates better than blue orchard bees, making them an excellent choice for a wider range of regions. We are certified by the Orchard Bee Association (OBA) and follow all guidelines for the responsible management and shipment of solitary bees.

(*This bee species is available in all U.S. states EXCEPT: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.)

Leafcutter Bee, Megachile rotundata (Nationwide*)

Leafcutter bees are found across North America and are used around the world for alfalfa pollination. Honey bees do not efficiently pollinate alfalfa due to a spring-loaded pistil mechanism in the alfalfa flower which they avoid. The small leafcutter bee effectively pollinates by “tripping” the pistil, and is responsible for creating the majority of feed for pigs and dairy cows. They are an equally gentle generalist bee that will visit a majority of types of flowers in your backyard during their flying months of July and August, including your flowering vegetable garden. As their name suggests, leafcutter bees use leaf pieces, which they cut using their mouth-parts, to construct their nests. (*This bee species is available in all U.S. states EXCEPT: Alaska and Hawaii)