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From:
Peter L Borst <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 6 Dec 2009 13:17:01 -0500
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Western buckwheat is quite a different plant from the planted variety common in Europe and once very common throughout the Northeastern USA. The western honey is not dark, nor rank tasting.

ERIOGONUM, Wild Buckwheat or Flat Top.

A group of low annual or perennial plants common to the Rocky Mountain and plains States. It is a large group and numerous species are to be found from Nebraska to California. In New Mexico the Eriogonum are among the commonest plants, there being something like forty species recorded from that State. The best known is the wild buckwheat of southern California (Eriogonum fasciculatum).

Richter lists it as the most important honey plant in many southern California localities. Wild buckwheat is one of the principal honey plants of southern California. In the Acton, Antelope Valley and Elsinore districts it is the main reliance. Although quite abundant at lower levels, it does not yield much nectar below 1,500 feet nor above 5,000 feet. The honey is a deep light amber, but of fine flavor, and the comb is very white. 

In Colorado Eriogonum effusum is sometimes known as "heather." According to Herman Rauchfuss it yields nectar nearly every year when there are late rains. It blooms in August and September and is usually in bloom for some time before the bees are attracted to it. He sometimes gets a super of comb honey per colony from this source. The honey he reports to be amber, of fine quality, and strong aroma, of which one does not easily tire. 
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