Silver birch

Value for beekeeping

Silver birch is a wind-pollinated tree and produces no nectar. Its male catkins release large amounts of pollen in March-April; honey bees collect this pollen, especially when other sources are scarce. However, the protein value of birch pollen is lower than that of willow or fruit trees.

Propolis

Young shoots and buds secrete a sticky resin. In northern and central Europe it is counted, together with poplar, among the most important propolis sources; propolis from these regions contains compounds typical of birch buds.

Honeydew

Aphids feeding on the leaves leave some honeydew in certain years; bees may collect it, but not in quantities that would yield a separate honeydew honey.

Note for the beekeeper

In Turkey its natural range is limited to north-eastern Anatolia, but it is often planted in parks. Birch gives the apiary early pollen and propolis but cannot carry spring build-up on its own; sources such as willow or plum need to be nearby.