WEED?

Think twice before you reach for the weed killer this summer—did you know that some of the most offensive weeds actually produce the best tasting honey?

Star ThistleStar thistle blooms mid-summer, thriving in dry, semi-arid conditions. Considered a noxious weed by environmentalists, star thistle colonizes and spreads rapidly, displacing vegetation and producing sharp, toxic spines. Ingesting large amounts of the sharp flowers can be fatal for livestock such as horses. Star thistle has invaded California, covering 22 percent of the state and is gaining ground in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Environmentalists and animal enthusiasts agree, star thistle should be eradicated, but bees love the nectar from this prickly plant. Nectar from the yellow star thistle flowers produces a unique honey, light in color with a slightly sweet flavor. Star thistle aficionados claim the flavor resembles candy and is best enjoyed straight from the bottle.

KudzuKudzu was originally introduced to the United States in 1876 as the miracle vine, promising bountiful animal forage and a solution for erosion control. However, it was soon discovered that Kudzu has one fatal flaw—it grows too well.
Kudzu earned its name as "mile-a-minute vine" in the south, where ideal conditions encourage Kudzu vines to grow as much as one foot per day during summer months. The vine can grow as much as sixty feet each year, climbing trees and destroying valuable forests.
With its large leaves and sweet-smelling blooms, Kudzu is a favorite among bees. Nectar from the Kudzu plants produces a rare, very strong, dark honey with a rich, sweet flavor.

DandelionOften considered the bane of lawn-lovers, the dandelion is a widely distributed perennial weed. The weed is difficult to destroy because it can reproduce from its deep roots or seeds released by its bright yellow flowers.
Dandelions do, however, deserve credit as an important source of nectar and pollen during the early spring season across the United States. Dandelion honey and pollen are used in early bee brood rearing to give colonies a boost in population so they are better able to gather more honey from main floral sources available later.
Dandelion honey is a rare treat, bright yellow to deep amber in color with a strong flavor that mellows over time. Dandelion honey is most recognizable by its intense floral aroma.
www.Honeylocator.com