Oriental arborvitae
A conifer with upright flat sprays common in hedges, parks and cemeteries; no nectar, a little early-spring pollen, and its resin contributes to Mediterranean propolis.
- Nectar
- None
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 5-15 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Oriental arborvitae originates in northern China and Korea; it differs from other arborvitaes in its flattened sprays held vertically. In Turkey it is very common in hedges, parks and especially cemeteries. Like other members of the cypress family, it is wind-pollinated and produces no nectar.
Flowering
It flowers early, from late February to April depending on the climate; the small male cones shed yellow pollen. This pollen is known for its allergenic effect, while its nutritional value is low.
Honey and pollen
It contributes no honey. In early spring, when there are no other sources, bees may collect a little pollen. In the Mediterranean basin, a large part of the diterpene compounds in propolis comes from the resins of members of the cypress family such as cypress and arborvitae.
Note for the beekeeper
Planted as a hedge around the apiary, it acts as a windbreak and propolis source, but it is no substitute for forage plants. Mixed planting with spring-flowering shrubs beside it is recommended.