The flowers of the basswood tree (Tilia americana), also called a linden, are a key nectar source for species of bees, butterflies and wasps. Additionally, the tree's leaves are an important food source for the larvae of many moth and butterfly species. This popular shade tree is known for its fragrant, creamy yellow flower clusters that bloom in June. In the fall, its toothed, heart-shaped leaves turn pale yellow and the flowers become small nutlets, attracting mammals and songbirds. Basswoods can grow to more than 80 feet tall and are hardy to growing zone 3, adapting to many soil conditions.

Want a striking tree for your yard? With large, late-spring flowers, giant heart-shaped leaves and fun, beany seed pods that hang on the tree through winter, the Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) will look interesting year-round and help pollinators including hummingbirds and bees. It's also the only host plant of the catalpa sphinx moth. The fast-growing Northern catalpa is a native tree hardy to zone 4 and can grow in full sun to part shade conditions. Due to its bean-like seed pods, this tree has many names including cigar tree, Indian bean tree, catawba, caterpillar tree, hardy catalpa and western catalpa.

Unique, four-pointed leaves and large, tulip-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in May and June make the tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipfera) distinct. Also called a tulip poplar, although unrelated, this native tree is related to magnolias and is beloved by ruby-throated hummingbirds, bumblebees and long-tongued bees. It's also a host for tiger swallowtail caterpillars. This fast-growing tree is hardy to zone 4, prefers at least 6 hours of full sun, and finishes the growing season with vibrant yellow fall color. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the stems of this tree have a spicy scent. Tuliptrees were once more plentiful but were harvested to make fence posts and railroad ties during the lumber boom. Their interesting look and their value to pollinators makes them worthy of a comeback.