Do bees use crimson clover for pollen, nectar or both? I have several fields full of this, and the bees are using it quite a bit. I am wondering to what purpose they put the plant.
They will get nectar from it but it is better suited for bumble bees because of its deeper flowers.
I'm guessing you're talking about this:
(http://informedfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/crimson-clover-1.jpeg)
Rather than this?
(http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/redclover8-30c.jpg)
Crimson Clover (Top Photo) is good Honey bee forage, but can't be mowed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trifolium_incarnatum). It's usually used as a cover crop. The Red Clover (Bottom Photo) is the stuff they use to make high quality hay, and I've never seen bees work it.