Hi Peter & All,

> "In Saskatchewan there is one willow, Salix bebbiana... the bees flock to
it
> in preference to dandelion... the plant is an exceedingly generous
producer
> of nectar [and] pollen."
>

Here in South-Central Alaska Bebb Willow (Salix bebbiana) is one of the last
willows to bloom. One of the more beautiful and symmetrical willows with a
strong upright growth pattern. It is the most important producer of "diamond
willow." It blooms in my area mid-May to mid-June, the same period that
Dandelions are in full bloom.
   . ..
c(((([
Keith Malone
Chugiak, Alaska USA
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http://takeoff.to/alaskahoney
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Norlandbeekeepers/

Check out current weather in my area and 5 day forecast;
http://www.wx.com/myweather.cfm?ZIP=99654