Betony

Value for beekeeping

It grows across most of Europe, northern Anatolia and the Caucasus along the edges of open oak and beech woods, on heaths and in damp, lime-free meadows. In recent years it has been separated from the genus Stachys and is again accepted as Betonica. Its corolla tube is of medium length, so bumblebees and wild bees benefit more; honey bees take part of the nectar.

Flowering

Dense pink-purple spikes open from June to August. It flowers abundantly in unmown or late-mown meadows; early and frequent mowing markedly reduces the number of flowers.

Honey and pollen

There is no monofloral honey; it makes a small contribution to meadow honeys. Its pollen contribution is low.

Note for the beekeeper

Sowing it on its own for honey bees is of limited value. It is, however, a valuable component of flowering meadow mixtures that support wild pollinators, and it can also grow in shady corners of the garden.