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Subject:
Re: Are Buttercups Toxic to Honey Bees?
From:
Richard Cryberg <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 5 Apr 2018 01:22:00 +0000
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"I've been told that pollen gathered
 from buttercup flowers is toxic to honey bees"

Yes this pollen is quite toxic.  Here is a BIP link:

https://beeinformed.org/2012/05/31/ranunculus-poisoning/

The toxic chemical in buttercups has the chemical name anemonol.  It is highly toxic to mammals and insects.  It was used as an arrow poison by native Americans.  Most flowers are toxic to mammals as that is the way the plant prevents the flowers from being eaten.  If anemonol is isolated via steam distillation it is classed as one of the essential oils.

Dick

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