Kudzu?

[Docking]

I was wondering if bees would work the kudzu? I have a couple acres that are starting to bloom. Would it be worth my time to move a weaker hive to this location?

Michael
2 hives
Russellville, AL.

[Swobee]

We don't have that species of plant in Kansas and frankly, you can keep it there. Rumor has it the honey from Kudzu is a bluish. Isn't it considered a noxious weed and not legal to allow it to propogate? Or if I'm mistaken, is there a use for that plant other than to destroy utility power poles and damage or kill off desired tree species?

[dragonfly]

I read a few years ago that bees do work it for the nectar. I think I remember it was brought to this country for cattle browse, and in certain areas (mostly the southeast) it literally took over.

[seamuswildhoney]

I live here in south carolina and the kudzu here is prolific! It has a small blue flower with a delightful fragrance. It can pull down massive trees and power lines and can grow 18 inches overnight, but it is a great grazing for cattle which will eat it to death. It has as huge root that can get to be the size of a small car. The root is a delicacy in Japan which is where it is from and it was over harvested there so some from here ship to there. I have not tasted the honey from it yet but if it tastes anything like the blossom smells like it should be delightful!

[beemandan]

Yep, those blooms smell like grape gum. You know, that artifically flavored bubble gum you chewed as a youngster. If you drive past a patch of the stuff when its blooming you can surely smell it. Its not a bad smell. There's a fellow in south Alabama who makes kudzu honey. The long and short of it is, yes your bees will happily work kudzu.

[Docking]

When I bought this property I looked at the kudzu as a weed until I got tired of killing it and decided to fert. it for the deer. The acre that I put 13.13.13 on now has no kudzu on it. The deer killed it out (after I mowed it). Here we have people that make jelly from the blooms and some cook the greens. I will try the honey and see how it goes. Does anyone know if it gives off much nectar?