[Ian]

My bees are collecting pollen from these flowers. Choosing it over dandelions right now. Didnt think there was anything in them.

Comments?

 

[Tom G. Laury]

I've been on marigold seed fields and they packed out pollen & honey.

 

[Michael Palmer]

I've been on marigold seed fields and they packed out pollen & honey.

Marsh Marigolds are not true Marigolds.

Ian, I've never seen my bees on Marsh Marigolds, either. Thanks for the observation.

 

[Ian]

If they arnt Marigolds, what are they?

 

[Allen Martens]

OK Ian you asked for it, the one thing I remember from my botany courses. Marsh Marigolds are Caltha paultris.

 

[Ian]

thanks Allen!

do you know if they give anything useful to the bees? Someone told me the pollen was just about as good as saw dust. If so, then why choose it over dandilions

 

[Allen Martens]

I enjoy seeing the flowers in the ditches but never really gave much thought as to whether or not bees visited them. I'll watch them a little more closely if if ever warms up. No idea as to the quality of the pollen.