Crimson Clover

[Pond Creek Farm]

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.

[Sparky]

They will get nectar from it but it is better suited for bumble bees because of its deeper flowers.

[CapnChkn]

I'm guessing you're talking about this:


Rather than this?


Crimson Clover (Top Photo) is good Honey bee forage, but can't be mowed.  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.