This thread resonated with me this year, as for the first time ever a bear
decided to visit my home apiary, and it was definitely in the middle of
the annual 'goldenrod smell' period. I can well imagine the odour plume
would make the bear's job easier finding colonies, as it is detectable by
humans at a considerable distance. Luckily he/she only managed to turn over
one hive and did little damage.  We have never in over 30 years of living
here had bears show up, but this year there was a severe summer drought,
the berry crops were scanty or non-existent, and reports of bears
showing up in back yards have been common locally.

I have heard/read that the characteristic smell of goldenrod is due to the
bee bread made with the pollen.  I notice that at the time of year when
goldenrod is being collected the combs turn a rich deep yellow color.  I
like the smell, although there is a definite note of dunginess or the
barnyard about it.  Where I am we have three 'waves' of goldenrod(s).  The
early one starts mid July and seems to be visited mostly by flies.  The
middle one kicks in during August and attracts bumblebees, but few or no
honey bees; they focus on the late flowering types that peak here in late
September.   In a good year a box of honey can fill up in a week or less.

Like Bob I split my honey between summer and fall types and find customers
prefer the fall honey, with its more potent aroma profile, most often.

Rob Hughes

Upper Kingsclear, NB
45.9 N 66.9 W

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