European crab apple

Value for beekeeping

European crab apple grows as scattered trees on forest edges, in clearings and in hedgerows from Europe to the Caucasus and northern Anatolia. Its white-pink flowers closely resemble those of the cultivated apple and offer bees moderate amounts of nectar and pollen. Because the sugar content of the nectar is relatively low, sources flowering at the same time, such as dandelion or oilseed rape, may attract bees more strongly.

Flowering

It flowers for about 10-14 days between late April and May, as the leaves come out. The flowering period can be shorter or longer depending on spring temperatures.

Honey and pollen

There is no separate monofloral honey; it contributes to mixed spring honeys and to brood rearing. Aphids produce small amounts of honeydew in places.

Note for the beekeeper

Because its flowering overlaps with that of the cultivated apple, it is planted in apple orchards as a pollinator. It is a good choice for shrub and hedge planting to diversify spring forage.