Turnera subulata: A Blooming Ally for Bees, Healing, and Your Garden

Known by many as white alder or buttercup, Turnera subulata is more than a lovely face in the landscape. Native to tropical regions like Costa Rica, this hardy, sun-loving plant produces soft yellow flowers with striking dark centres that open fresh every morning. While often overlooked, it's one of the most reliable and important nectar sources for a wide range of pollinators. Regular honeybees adore it—but for native Melipona bees, it's practically a lifeline. Add in the plant’s traditional medicinal uses and ease of growth, and you’ve got a powerhouse of value rooted in nature.

When does Turnera subulata bloom?

Turnera subulata blooms year-round, with the heaviest flowering from March to October.

• Flowers open in the morning and last just one day—but they bloom daily

• In tropical climates like Costa Rica, blooms appear almost every day of the year

• Peak flowering usually follows heavy rains or warm, sunny periods

What does Turnera subulata look like?

Turnera subulata is a compact, flowering shrub with pale yellow petals and deep green leaves.

• Grows to about 60 cm (2 feet) in height

• Flowers have five pale yellow petals with a dark eye in the centre

• Leaves are lance-shaped, slightly serrated, and arranged alternately

• It creates a soft, natural look that fits well in wildlife gardens, roadsides, and permaculture zones

Why is Turnera subulata important for pollinators?

Turnera subulata provides essential nectar and pollen to both regular honeybees and native Melipona bees.

This plant plays a critical role in pollinator health:

• Melipona bees, Costa Rica’s native stingless bees, are drawn to its open flowers, which match their foraging patterns

• Honeybees and native solitary bees also regularly visit for nectar and pollen

• It offers a consistent daily nectar supply, vital during seasonal gaps

• Encouraging its growth helps build a resilient pollinator habitat, especially in urban or degraded areas

In regions where native plants are being lost, Turnera subulata acts as a reliable foraging station, particularly for Meliponas, who are key pollinators for fruit trees and wild plants alike.

Is Turnera subulata used in traditional medicine?

Yes, Turnera subulata has a long-standing role in folk medicine across Central and South America.

Used remedies include:

• Leaf infusions or teas for digestive troubles and fevers

• Topical applications to help treat minor wounds, skin rashes, and infections

• Believed to support women’s reproductive health

• Contains natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

While traditional uses are well-documented, scientific studies are beginning to support its antibacterial and antifungal potential, showing promise for future natural health products.

Do Melipona bees really rely on Turnera subulata?

Absolutely. Turnera subulata is a key nectar source for Melipona bees, especially when other flowers are scarce.

• Melipona bees are active in the early daylight hours, perfectly aligned with Turnera’s daily bloom cycle

• These bees are smaller and non-aggressive, needing open, shallow flowers like those of Turnera subulata

• The flowers’ easy-access pollen and nectar make it one of the most useful native plants for stingless bees

• Supporting Turnera growth contributes directly to native bee conservation, especially in mixed-agroforestry systems

How do you grow Turnera subulata?

Turnera subulata is easy to grow and thrives in sun and poor soils with minimal care.

Tips for growing:

• Loves full sun, but tolerates light shade

• Tolerant of sandy or rocky soils, perfect for dry climates

• Water during dry spells, but it’s drought-tolerant once established

• Propagate with seeds or cuttings

• Prune lightly to encourage more blooms and a fuller shape

Planting this beauty not only brightens a garden—it turns it into a pollinator-friendly sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Turnera subulata grow in pots or containers?A: Yes, it does well in pots with good drainage and access to sunlight.

Q: Is it safe for pets or children?A: It’s not known to be toxic, but always supervise interactions just in case.

Q: Is Turnera subulata invasive?A: It spreads readily but is not generally considered invasive; it behaves well in most tropical gardens.

Q: How can I attract more bees to my garden?A: Grow plants like Turnera subulata in clusters and avoid using pesticides.

Q: Can I use it in a bee-friendly farm setup?A: Definitely. It's a low-effort, high-benefit addition to any permaculture, regenerative, or bee-centric project.

A Plant That Gives Back—To Nature and You

Turnera subulata is more than an ornamental—it’s a beacon of life for pollinators, especially Melipona bees, whose survival is tied to native plants like this. It offers natural remedies, bright daily blooms, and ecosystem value that reaches far beyond its size. For farmers, beekeepers, herbalists, and garden lovers, it's a plant worth knowing, growing, and protecting.

If you're inspired by the role this humble flower plays in bee survival and traditional medicine, please consider donating to Bee Oasis Costa Rica. Your support helps us preserve native bee habitats and plant more life-sustaining species like Turnera subulata across Costa Rica.