Lemon Tree (citrus limon Burm. f.)
Lemon trees are a valuable addition to any Florida landscape—not just for their tart fruit, but for their role in supporting pollinators. According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), lemons do not require cross-pollination to set fruit. However, their pink-tinged blossoms are highly attractive to honeybees and other insects, which frequently visit the flowers. Under Florida’s subtropical conditions, flower bud initiation typically occurs in November, with the main bloom stretching from late December into March. It’s also common for trees to experience additional blooms in June and again in the fall.
Lemon blossoms don’t just offer nectar—essential for honey production—but also nutrient-rich pollen. UF/IFAS notes that lemon pollen contains 10–20% protein, making it a high-quality food source for bees and other pollinators. While lemons are the sourest of citrus fruits, the honey produced from their flowers is among the sweetest. Supporting pollinators with flowering plants like lemon trees helps maintain a healthy garden ecosystem and strengthens local biodiversity.
Fun Fact: All honey produced from citrus blooms—whether from grapefruit, oranges, lemons, or limes—is collectively labeled as “orange blossom honey.” Despite the different citrus sources, this “orange blossom honey” applies to the entire category.
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
The ruby-throated hummingbird, my personal favorite, is the most common species found in eastern North America. Males are especially striking with their shimmering red throats that catch the light like jewels. These tiny, energetic birds are a marvel to watch as they hover in mid-air, darting quickly from flower to flower. In Florida, many ruby-throated hummingbirds have made a permanent home thanks to the state’s warm climate and year-round supply of flowering plants that provide the nectar they need to thrive.
Beyond their beauty and speed, ruby-throated hummingbirds play a vital ecological role. As they feed on nectar, they inadvertently pollinate the plants they visit—carrying pollen on their heads and bills from bloom to bloom. Approximately 8,000 plant species across North, Central, and South America rely on hummingbirds for pollination, with some tropical plants depending almost exclusively on them. This makes hummingbirds essential to the health of many ecosystems. Encouraging them in your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers not only supports pollinators but also enhances biodiversity and brings vibrant energy to your outdoor space.
