Worldwide Beekeeping
Worldwide Beekeeping Resource Library => Honey, Bee Forage; Nectar & Pollen Sources => Topic started by: Bakersdozen on August 03, 2023, 06:31:35 pm
-
Rusty Burlew has been quoted and referred to often on this forum. She has written an article about the unusual honey bee food source, Witch Hazel. I have an approximately tall 12 ft. tall Ozark Witch Hazel. It typically blooms the first week of February. I have seen blooms encased in ice only to thaw and continue blooming. On other years I have also seen my bees working it like a clearance sale at Montgomery Ward. It's a hardy plant.
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/witch-hazel-the-unusual-feast-bees-need-in-the-off-season/ (https://www.honeybeesuite.com/witch-hazel-the-unusual-feast-bees-need-in-the-off-season/)
-
:D Love you referral to Montgomery Ward clearance sale!
This is particularly interesting regarding Witch Hazel. I was born in 1957 and grew up watching my mom splash Witch Hazel on her face then following with Rose Water. She had beautiful Irish skin, red hair, green eyes.
My daughter is an herbal alchemist. Because I have rather ruddy skin, my daughter made me a facial toner with witch hazel, rose water, butterfly pea tea, and chamomile. It's just wonderful stuff and has softened my facial skin.
Are you talking tree or plant?
Gonna check out if Witch Hazel can tolerate zone 7 west coast moutain's ever changing weather. Thanks Baker
-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel) There may be a species or a hybrid that will work in your area.
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HAVE2 (https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HAVE2)
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a data base I refer to often. They describe Witch Hazel as a small tree of shrub reaching 15 ft in height. My Witch Hazel is sitting at the NW corner of the house. Nothing blocks the North wind in winter. According to this website it is almost time to collect some seed. I am going to try that this year. In the spring, I find seedlings sprouting in planters that sit near my Witch Hazel. I dig those up, repot them, and give them to other beekeepers.
I would think that willows would be a good choice for you as well.