Manna ash
The one common insect-pollinated ash; its fragrant white plumes give honey bees abundant pollen in April-May, with very little nectar.
- Nectar
- Low
- Pollen
- Good
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 8-15 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Manna ash is a medium-sized tree of dry slopes and oak woods from the Mediterranean region to Anatolia; in Turkey it occurs especially in western, southern and northern Anatolia. Unlike other ashes, which are wind-pollinated, this species has fragrant, creamy white plume-like flowers pollinated by insects. Its importance for honey bees is pollen; there is little or no nectar. It gives abundant pollen that supports brood rearing in mid-spring.
Flowering
It flowers in April and May, together with the leaves or just after them. Flowering is short, but during that time the tree turns into a white cloud.
Honey and pollen
There is no honey under its name; its contribution goes into spring pollen stores.
Note for the beekeeper
The sap that flows when the bark is cut and dries into a sweet substance (manna) is traditionally collected in Sicily; this product has nothing to do with honeydew honey. Because it is well suited to dry, chalky soils, it is a bee-friendly choice for afforestation and roadside planting.