Rough cocklebur
Wind-pollinated, nectarless weed of very low value to bees; small amounts of pollen may be gathered only in dearth.
- Nectar
- None
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0,2-1,2 m
- Life cycle
- Annual
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Although rough cocklebur belongs to the daisy family, it has adapted to wind pollination. Male and female flowers sit in separate heads on the same plant; there are no coloured petals and no nectar. Honey bees may collect a little pollen from the male heads only during the late-summer dearth, in the morning hours.
Flowering
From July to September in stream beds, irrigated fields, fallow land and around settlements. Its hooked fruits spread by sticking to animal fleece and clothing.
Honey and pollen
It does not contribute to honey. Its pollen can cause allergies in people.
Note for the beekeeper
This species, whose origin is disputed, and its close relatives are regarded as invasive arable weeds in Europe and Turkey. The seedlings and seeds are poisonous to grazing animals; this has not been reported for bee products. It has no value whatsoever as a bee plant, and control is recommended.