Flowering Plants/Trees Back to Honey Plants
At one time this tree was a major source of honey in the Eastern States. It has been harvested for its outstanding fine grain, light color, and easily workability. The blooming period is approximately 10 days but during those blooming days, it is covered with honey bees yielding large quantities of nectar. However, like the Black Locust, honey crops produced by Basswood are a hit or miss affair. The American Linden is planted in many cities as shade trees and the European Linden is also found in city plantings and is reported in areas of the west including California. Hot clear weather contributes to a fine honey crop. It blooms in early summer, usually late June early July.
Description of nectar
Lovell says Basswood honey is white and has a slightly aromatic flavor. Honey sold as basswood is often mixed with other nectar sources and the honey sold is amber in color. At one time it rivaled clover and alfalfa in demand as a light colored honey.
Description of pollen
The
color of the pollen carried back to the hive is
a yellow to light orange color.
Description of pollen grain
This is a member of the Tiliaceae (Linden family). The grains are tricolporate with visible pores.