Trees for Bees: Black Locust

Have you seen this as you’re driving along?

Fallen petals after a rainstorm this late in April are a sign of the Black Locust trees blooming. They tend to sprout along woods edges, so their white blossoms are visible now and last nearly 3 weeks into May–and that is great for bees! This is the peak of their nectar collection time.

Perhaps you’ve heard of ‘locust honey’? Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, is favored by honeybees and humans alike for the flavor of the honey, and the quantity of nectar that can be gathered from the many flowers these trees produce at once. Beekeepers often need to add extra supers to their hives.

Locust trees are related to peas and the flowers bloom in stages along the racemes, which makes the season longer–and sweeter! Their blooming period overlaps with another favored tree, the tulip tree, so bees are well-served during this time, even if the rains do knock out some of the blossoms.

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This post is part of series designed to raise awareness about trees–and other woody plants–that help bees. My interest in trees, bees and nature carries over to my fantasy novels.

In my newest release, Guardian of the Pines, Cor loves trees and is a trained beekeeper with an unusual gift of magic for working with both. Learn more and read and excerpt here. This YA fantasy just released on April 26th!