Fall Flowers

At one time buckwheat was a very major honey plant in many areas of the Uninted States, particularly in the Northeast. However today it is rarely planted. The honey from buckwheat is dark and very strongly flavored.

Boneset blooms in the late summer or early fall, and can provide nectar in some areas of Virginia. In most areas it is a minor honey plant at best. The honey is reported to be light amber with a strong flavor.

Ironweed blooms in late summer or early fall and provides nectar in some areas of Virginia. At times bees work ironweed heavily, but probably do not produce much surplus from it.

Goldenrod is a minor honey plant in most areas of Virginia, but it is a very good nectar plant farther north. It generally starts to bloom in mid-August and continues until frost. Honey produced from goldenrod has a yellow amber color with a characteristic flavor. It granulates fairly quickly, but makes a good winter food for bees.

The Asters are late blooming plants that bees will continue to work into October. Reports on the honey quality are highly varied, with many beekeepers stating that the honey is not suitable for table use. However, there are many species of aster and some have been reported to produce a light, mild honey. In most areas of Virginia, the asters are relatively minor honey plants.