Do bees visit this tree? I rolled a bloom in my hand and had a lot of pollen come off, do the bees use this? if so only for pollen or do they collect nectar from it as well?
Invasive weed form Asia.... Yes bees probably work it. The USDA reports It quickly becomes the dominant plant in disturbed vacant lots, abandoned agricultural land, natural wet prairies, and bottomland forests. Once established, Chinese tallow is virtually impossible to eliminate."
Not something you want to consider a bee plant, some town organizations might require you to destroy it.
Go with a native alternative such as a Magnolia tree, some do bloom over the summer.
I'm reading more about Tallow trees and it's not something you want to promote. They do say Honey Bees work them too. "Honeybees make a desirable light-colored honey from the flowers."
http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/sapi_seb.cfm
It makes a LOT of honey.
Its just like the privet bush (invasive weed from Asia). Both produce alot of honey and are all over the deep south.
Quote from: keith13 on May 13, 2008, 08:39:20 PM
Do bees visit this tree? I rolled a bloom in my hand and had a lot of pollen come off, do the bees use this? if so only for pollen or do they collect nectar from it as well?
By far one of the best honey producers in south east Louisiana. Bees will be very busy very soon, buds are almost ready, bees are ready. A friend of mine has counted on the tallow flow to make his living the last 15 yrs.
...JP
Quote from: MrILoveTheAnts on May 13, 2008, 10:14:26 PM
Invasive weed form Asia.... Yes bees probably work it. The USDA reports It quickly becomes the dominant plant in disturbed vacant lots, abandoned agricultural land, natural wet prairies, and bottomland forests. Once established, Chinese tallow is virtually impossible to eliminate."
Not something you want to consider a bee plant, some town organizations might require you to destroy it.
I realize it is an invasive species and I would not plant it but if you take a drive through south Louisiana, you will see that ship has sailed. the trees are everywhere.
JP 15 yrs I didn't realize it was that strong for so long but then again I do remember them back then
It is a primary honey flow plant in the urban areas where I live. It's timing is perfect; right after the privets (Chinese and California) finish. The honey is very good as well.
This is a major flow for us down here in Louisiana. It just started and will last about three weeks or four.
Was reading the local rag today and they had an article from a professor at LSU who thinks they may be able to use this tree as a biofuel. They didn't go into great detail I guess harvest them and use them to create fuel just like sugar cane and corn. A least somegood might come out of it and also a new source for pollination contracts maybe.
Also they talked about when the plant was first introduced seems they had a letter from Ben Franklin( yes that one) writing to a friend and including tallow tree seeds with Ben stating to "try the seeds and see if they will grow on his farm". I guess they did. :-D
Keith
I remember them tree's from when I grew up in La, we called them popcorn trees even though we knew they were called tallow tree's, I am from Denham Springs, lived there my first 22 years until I moved to Ga in 89, all my family still lives there. they are about the best honey flow there.