Elder
Its broad, scented white umbels are nectarless; bees collect only pollen and occasionally honeydew from aphids on the leaves.
- Nectar
- None
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 3-7 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Despite their strong scent, the large, flat, creamy-white flower heads of elder produce no nectar. During flowering honey bees collect only pollen; its pollen value is moderate. In some years bees collect honeydew left by the black aphids that are common on young shoots, but elder is not an important source of honeydew honey.
Flowering
From late May to late June, for about 3-4 weeks, at forest edges, along streams and around settlements.
Honey and pollen
It makes no direct nectar contribution to honey. Elder pollen found in honey only shows that the plant grows nearby.
Note for the beekeeper
Picking the flowers for elderflower cordial and syrup causes no problem for bees. The raw leaves, bark and unripe berries contain substances harmful to humans; this does not apply to pollen and honey. As a fast-growing shrub that propagates easily, it can be used in hedges along the edge of the apiary.