Maple (Acer sp.)

Monoecious deciduous tree or shrub. The flowers are unisexual, yellow-green, and arranged in racemes or panicles. The samara (fruit) consists of two seeds joined in a helical shape and is dispersed by wind. Species of importance for bees include: sycamore maple (A. pseudoplatanus), Norway maple (A. platanoides), and field maple (A. campestre).

Importance for bees: In spring, maple pollen is an excellent source of protein for brood rearing and colony development. Maple is also a good source of nectar and honeydew for honey production.

Distribution: Deciduous forests, mountain slopes, hedges; trees often planted in parks and along roads. Sycamore maple is widespread both north and south of the Alps, whereas Norway maple and field maple are more common north of the Alps.

Flowering period: April to May

Pollen Sycamore maple and Norway maple: ❶❷ ∅∅

Pollen Field maple: ❶ ∅∅∅

Nectar Sycamore maple: ❶❷❸❹

Nectar Norway maple: ❶❷❸ ∅

Nectar Field maple: ❶❷ ∅∅

Legend: Beekeeping interest is indicated using the scale: 1 (low), 2 (medium), 3 (good), and 4 (very good)
(Maurizio & Schaper, 1994; Pritsch, 2007).