Holly
Evergreen, spiny-leaved tree of moist woodland understoreys; its small white flowers in May–June give moderate nectar and pollen.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 3-15 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Holly is a small tree with glossy, dark green, spiny leaves, common in the understorey of Black Sea forests under beech and spruce. It is dioecious; male plants give pollen and nectar, female plants nectar. Its small, white, faintly scented flowers are regularly visited by bees.
Flowering
It flowers in May–June for about two to three weeks. Plants growing in shade flower less; sunlit trees at forest edges are more productive for bees.
Honey and pollen
No separate honey is obtained; its nectar blends into forest blossom honey. The pollen gives extra protein to colonies developing in late spring.
Note for the beekeeper
The red berries are poisonous to humans and pets, but no problem is known from the nectar or honey. Because branches are gathered for Christmas decoration, in some regions it is regarded as a species in need of protection.