Sand Plums

[NeilV]

I have some hives about 1/4 mile from a stand of sand plums. I assume these bloom early, is that right? Also, do bee use them?

[Michael Bush]

>I assume these bloom early, is that right?

Yes. They are the first nectar source here.

> Also, do bee use them?

Yes.

[LtlWilli]

I am grateful for the sand plum, as I believe it to be the source of Myrobalan rootstock for most tame plum varieties. It is a robust and hardy base for plum varieties that otherwise may not survive in certain regions.

[NeilV]

I often take walks at that beeyard after I take care of the hives. On one walk, the plums were ripe, and I ate quite a few of them. They actually taste good, but not much flesh and not as sweet as domesticated plums.

This is also the yard with the bald eagle nest just down the way, and last summer there was a juvenille bald eagle flying around much of the time. This property also sets right on the Arkansas River (the owner actually owns the riverbed to the middle of the river).

[BULLSEYE BILL]

Kansas is full of sand plums. My mother told me that the settlers would pick them and spread them on their way across the plains.

When they are in full bloom it is very refreshing to stand just down wind of a thicket on a still day. Intoxicating.