Hypericum hyssopifolium

Value for beekeeping

Flowers of the St John's wort genus produce no nectar; honey bees visit this plant only for pollen. This perennial species with narrow, needle-like leaves offers plenty of pollen from the many stamens in the centre of its yellow flowers. In early summer it adds to pollen diversity on the steppe and on dry slopes.

Flowering

From June to August, especially on the rocky and stony steppes of central, eastern and south-eastern Anatolia. The flowers open in the morning and bee visits peak before noon.

Honey and pollen

As it gives no nectar, it makes no direct contribution to honey; St John's wort pollen found in honey samples only shows that the plant grows in the area. Pollen loads are yellowish.

Note for the beekeeper

It is valuable as a summer pollen source for steppe apiaries, but no honey flow should be expected from it alone. Sources on the local names and exact distribution of this species are limited.