Large-leaved lime
The first lime to flower, giving a short but rich nectar flow in early June; with later limes it extends the lime season for several weeks.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Crystallisation
- Medium
- Pollen colour
- Height
- 25-35 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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The large-leaved lime is a big tree that grows on moist, nutrient-rich soils in the forests of Europe and northern Anatolia. Its flowers are larger and fewer than those of the small-leaved lime, and its nectar is abundant. Secretion is highest on warm, humid, windless days; it falls during drought and after cold nights.
Flowering
It is the first of the limes to flower, staying in bloom for about 10-15 days in the first half of June. Because the small-leaved, common and silver limes follow, the lime season in mixed plantings can last more than a month.
Honey and pollen
Lime honey is pale yellow, bright greenish, with a distinct fresh aroma, and crystallises at a moderate rate. In some years the lime aphid living on the leaves produces honeydew, which makes the honey darker. The pollen loads are pale yellow-green.
Note for the beekeeper
Since flowering is short, you need to arrive on time with strong colonies. It is also common as a street and park tree.