Rowan

Value for beekeeping

Rowan grows in the cool mountain forests of northern Anatolia and the Caucasus, in clearings near the tree line and on rocky slopes. Its flat, white flower clusters attract many insects, honey bees included; its nectar and pollen value is moderate. At high altitudes it fills the gap left when the early-flowering sources are over.

Flowering

It flowers in May–June, for about two weeks depending on altitude. The flowers have a distinctive, somewhat sharp scent; bee traffic peaks around warm, sunny midday hours.

Honey and pollen

A separate rowan honey is not common; its nectar blends into mountain blossom honey. The pollen helps colonies develop at the start of the move to the high summer pastures.

Note for the beekeeper

Because its orange-red berries attract birds, it serves bees and wildlife alike in rural landscape and roadside plantings. It does not tolerate drought and heat; plant it in cool, moist places.