Recent discussions on the topic of the odor of beehives in the northeastern US did not include mention of asters as the source. Around this time of year there is frequently a honeyflow based mainly on asters here in southcentral Pennsylvania. A walk into a patch of Aster pilosus (Ithink) which grows in old fields will reveal to the observer the source of the butterscotch-like fragrance being picked up by the bees. Its quite strong and not unpleasant. Bill Morrison [log in to unmask]