Field elm
Flowering very early, in February–March before the leaves, it offers bees one of the first pollens of the year on warm days; no nectar.
- Nectar
- None
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 15-30 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Field elm is a common tree on plains, along streams and roads and around villages. It is wind-pollinated and gives no nectar. Its importance lies in being one of the earliest pollen sources of the year: at the end of winter, on days when the air warms up, bees collect pollen from its reddish flower clusters.
Flowering
It flowers in February–March, long before leaf-out; its winged fruits ripen within a few weeks. At this time cold, windy weather often prevents flying, so its contribution varies from year to year.
Honey and pollen
It is not a honey source. The pollen provides the first fresh protein to colonies that are just starting brood rearing at the end of winter; it serves as a valuable bridge before willow and almond.
Note for the beekeeper
Dutch elm disease has destroyed most mature elms in Europe and Turkey; today most trees are young ones grown from root suckers. Plantings with resistant clones help preserve this early pollen source.