Tree of heaven
A Chinese tree giving abundant June nectar that bees work heavily, but highly invasive. Fresh honey smells sharp and mellows with age; use existing trees, never plant it.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 15-25 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Tree of heaven is a very fast-growing tree from China that spreads by root suckers. Its large, greenish-yellow panicles open in June, give plenty of nectar and are worked heavily by bees; it is a notable source in the early summer flow. The scent of the male flowers is unpleasant to people.
Flowering
It flowers for about 2-3 weeks in June-July and can fill the gap after black locust and before lime.
Honey and pollen
When fresh, the honey has a greenish tinge and a sharp, unpleasant smell; after a few months of ripening the smell mellows and it develops an aroma reminiscent of muscat grapes. It is usually harvested as part of mixed summer honey.
Note for the beekeeper
It is on the European Union list of invasive alien species, and in Turkey too it is spreading fast along roadsides, in ruins and along streams. Its roots and leaves suppress the growth of surrounding plants. Never plant it for bees; making use of existing trees is enough.