White willow

Value for beekeeping

White willow is a fast-growing tree, common along watercourses, on wet plains and beside canals. It is dioecious: the yellow catkins of male trees give both abundant pollen and nectar, while female trees give nectar only. In early spring it is a valuable source for the colony to expand its brood nest.

Flowering

It flowers a little after goat willow, in April–May together with the leaves, for about two to three weeks. Because willows can secrete nectar even on cool days, bees make use of every midday hour when the air warms up.

Honey and pollen

A separate willow honey to harvest is rare; the nectar is mostly used up by the brood, and any surplus goes into mixed spring honey. The pollen loads are bright yellow and highly nutritious.

Note for the beekeeper

Planting willows along streams near the apiary closes the early spring food gap; they are easily propagated from cuttings. For pollen, cuttings taken from male trees should be preferred.