Caucasian rhododendron
Low evergreen rhododendron of the eastern Black Sea highlands; flowers in June–July and its nectar may contain grayanotoxins, so caution with highland honey.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0.3-1 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Caucasian rhododendron is a low, creeping, evergreen shrub of the eastern Black Sea region, spreading above the tree line at roughly 1800-3000 metres, especially in the Kaçkar Mountains and the surrounding ranges. Its cream-white to pale pink flowers open after snowmelt and are visited by bees on the high pastures.
Flowering
It flowers in June–July for two to three weeks, depending on when the snow retreats. This period coincides with the start of the move to the high summer pastures.
Honey and toxicity
Like other rhododendrons, it is known to contain grayanotoxins. Its share in high-pasture honey is usually low, but on slopes where it is abundant the risk of the honey becoming toxic should not be ignored. Measurements of honey yield and toxin levels specific to this species are limited.
Note for the beekeeper
When moving early to the Kaçkar high pastures, set up hives away from slopes dense with rhododendron. Having suspect high-pasture honey analysed before offering it for consumption is the safest course.