Red dead-nettle
An annual weed of fields, gardens and vineyards; it flowers on the first warm days of spring and gives colonies early nectar and pollen.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0,1-0,3 m
- Life cycle
- Annual
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An annual field weed native to Europe and western Asia, now spread over most temperate regions. In Turkey it is very common in gardens, vineyards, olive groves and unploughed fields. Its flowers are small but numerous; honey bees collect both nectar and pollen. Its real value lies in flowering just as colonies begin their spring build-up.
Flowering
It flowers from February in mild coastal regions and from March to May inland; in mild winters flowers are sometimes seen even in midwinter. Bees start visiting on sunny days above 12-15 °C.
Honey and pollen
The honey yield is low, but as an early source of pollen and nectar it supports brood rearing.
Note for the beekeeper
Mowing or herbicide use in vineyards and orchards in early spring removes this source; leaving part of the inter-rows until flowering is over helps the bees. Together with the similar Lamium amplexicaule it forms large carpets.