Pome fruit trees (Malus sp. / Pyrus sp.)

Apple and pear trees are among the main pome fruit trees in Switzerland. They are of great economic importance, and numerous varieties are cultivated. They are deciduous trees or shrubs. The flowers are hermaphroditic and are white to slightly pink with yellow anthers in the cultivated apple (M. domestica, originally M. sylvestris), whereas they are white (rarely pink) with dark red anthers in the cultivated pear (P. communis, originally P. pyraster).

Importance for bees: The flowers of pome fruit trees are numerous and highly attractive. They represent important sources of nectar and pollen for brood rearing and the spring development of colonies, even though their flowering period is short.

Distribution: Apple and pear trees grow on dry, bushy slopes or in riparian forests. They are also cultivated in gardens and in commercial orchards. Large-scale apple cultivation is found mainly in the cantons of Vaud, Valais, and Thurgau. All fruit trees are sensitive to frost but also require a cold period prior to flowering, which limits their distribution both to the north and to the south.

Flowering period: April to May

Pollen Apple tree:  ❶❷❸❹

Nectar Apple tree:  ❶❷❸ ∅

Pollen Pear tree:  ❶❷❸❹

Nectar Pear tree:  ❶❷ ∅∅

Legend: Beekeeping interest is indicated using the scale: 1 (low), 2 (medium), 3 (good), and 4 (very good)
(Maurizio & Schaper, 1994; Pritsch, 2007).