Revised by S. Bambara, Extension Entomologist.
INTRODUCTION
Knowledge of the plants that honey bees use is important to every beekeeper. Plants provide nectar for honey production and pollen for the protein source needed to raise young bees. In turn, the bee provides pollination for the plant aiding it in production of fruits and seeds, many of which are important for food to humans and other animals.
The type and abundance of the plant determines what kind and how much honey may be produced. Pollen must be collected at critical times if the colony is to develop and thrive. Beekeepers, in particular, should learn the important plants and when they bloom in orders to best manage their hives and maximize honey and agricultural production /
MATERIALS
several sheets of heavy, white paper 11 1/2" x 16 1/2 "
white glue
pencil or waterproof ink pen
3" x 5" cards or sheets of paper (unlined)
2 or more pieces corrugated cardboard 12" x 18"
2 boards or plywood approx. 12" x 18"
newspapers
books, catalogs, bricks or other flat weights
ACTIVITY
1. Observe bees visiting flowers in the garden, pasture, along roadsides, around woods, along streams and on cultivated crops such as apples, blueberries, cucumbers and clover. Determine if the bees are gathering nectar or pollen, or both. Pollen collecting bees can be seen grooming and brushing pollen "dust" back on their bodies and packing it in pellets on their hind legs. Nectar collectors insert their tongue into flowers and may move more quickly from flower to flower.
2. Record the dates when the plants began and stopped blooming. Note the flower color, any changes, and the relationship of bloom age to the bee activity.
3. When in full bloom, gather the plant, being careful to pick one that you think is typical. Record the date. If it is a small plant, collect with the roots intact, but shake off the loose dirt. Place the plant between a few sheets of newspaper. Be sure to position it nicely the way you would like it to dry. It is okay to bend it to fit if necessary. Next, sandwich the plant with the newspaper between two sheets of corrugated cardboard. Then sandwich this between the two boards. Stack several heavy books, catalogs or weights on top. A warm and dr,` location is recommended. Several plants may be pressed at one time as long as a piece of corrugated cardboard separates each. Never collect a plant where there is only one specimen.
4. After 10-14 days pressing and drying (some plants may take longer), the plant will be flat and ready to mount on the white paper sheets. Position the plant carefully the way you would like it. Place a few large drops of white glue directly under the plant in several places, especially the stem, which will support the plant when dry. Apply a little pressure and allow the glue to dry. Reserve a spot in the lower righthand corner for the label.
5. Type or print the following information about the plant onto a plain, 3" x 5" card and paste in the lower righthand corner of the 11 1/2" x 16 1/2" sheet.
SUMMARY
Observe bees
Record blooming dates of plants
Collect and press a typical plant
Mount the plant
Attach all recorded information
For more information:
Collecting and Preserving Plants. by Ruth MacFarlane. 1985. ARCO, NY 184pp.
Honey Plants Manual by H.B. Lovell. 1966. A. I. Root Co., Medina, OH 44256.
American Honey Plants by F.C. Pellett. 1947. Orange Judd. N.Y.
Honey Plants of North Carolina, NCSU Dept. of Entomology Insect Note No. 2
Revised by S. Bambara, Extension Entomologist. 1/21/93