Page 1 of 1

Purple Pollen

PostPosted:11 Jun 2021, 10:37
by AdamD
Despite the fact that the bees have been foraging on OSR until the past few days, they have obtained a wide range of pollens which is good to see. I don't see purple pollen very often, any idea what it might be?
Image

Re: Purple Pollen

PostPosted:11 Jun 2021, 11:13
by RJC
phacelia? have a look here
http://www.moraybeedinosaurs.co.uk/pollen.html

Re: Purple Pollen

PostPosted:11 Jun 2021, 11:55
by Steve 1972
Phacelia and Rose Bay Willow Herb produce purple pollen..if it is Phacelia the honey is out of this World.

Re: Purple Pollen

PostPosted:11 Jun 2021, 12:13
by Caroline
Phacelia, wonderful stuff, unfortunately I've not seen signs of any around me this year. It's used as a green manure as part of crop rotation.

Re: Purple Pollen

PostPosted:12 Jun 2021, 09:10
by AdamD
Thanks,
It's too early for RoseBay Willowherb yet - so must be Phacelia. About a mile away there's a 10 acre field that has been planted with pollinator friendly plants - I have just noticed it whilst driving past, so I'll have to have a closer look.

Excuse the old comb in the photo. "I MUST change my comb more frequently. I MUST change my comb more frequenctly. I MUST change my comb more frequently"

Re: Purple Pollen

PostPosted:12 Jun 2021, 09:32
by Caroline
The first time my bees foraged on Phacelia I found the field one evening and walked into the middle of it, and just stood looking and listening to the continuous hum. There must have been every variety of pollinator in that field - wonderful.