Wintercress

Value for beekeeping

Wintercress is a biennial or short-lived perennial of the cabbage family that stands out in spring with bright yellow flowers resembling rapeseed. The nectar glands at the base of the flower are within easy reach of honey bees; nectar and pollen are collected in moderate amounts. As with most crucifers, pollen loads are yellowish.

Flowering

From April to June on damp field edges, ditches, stream banks and road embankments. As it overwinters as a leaf rosette, it flowers early.

Honey and pollen

It is not harvested as a separate honey; it goes into spring mixed honey and, as is typical of crucifer nectar, may help the honey set faster.

Note for the beekeeper

It does not create a flow on its own, but it is a steady source in damp areas in the period between the fruit trees and black locust. It has been introduced to North America and has become widespread there.