From:                   Tim Vaughan <[log in to unmask]>

> Just something else to throw out, the beekeeper I worked for briefly in
> 1983 used to say that the mustard caused the bees to swarm. The hills
> here
> are covered with it early in the year, and whether it's just coincidence
> or something about the abundance and quality of the pollen, I don't
> know.

   First, is it really mustard?  Most wild "mustard" is actually wild
radish, AKA charlock. It's a poor nectar producer, but makes very
high quality pollen. I doubt it induces swarming in any respect
except that it aids in spring buildup.  It blooms here in SC every
month of the year, but best from February to April. -Photos at
address below...

Dave Green  SC  USA
http://www.pollinator.com/gallery/February/february_flowers.htm

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