Willow (Salix sp.)

Dioecious tree or shrub with deciduous leaves. The male flowers have yellow anthers; the female flowers are inconspicuous, greenish, and develop at maturity into capsules rich in seeds.

Importance for bees: It is mainly early-flowering willow species, such as goat willow (Salix caprea) and grey willow (Salix cinerea), that play a major role for bees, as they represent the first substantial source of pollen (from male flowers only) and nectar of the year. Willows are therefore important for the spring development of colonies and are protected during their flowering period in some Swiss cantons.

Distribution: Many species and hybrids (around 40 in Switzerland and about 500 worldwide) grow in a wide range of habitats, such as riparian or mixed forests, stony soils, wet meadows, and rocky areas. They are widespread throughout Switzerland, both in lowland regions and in mountainous areas.

Flowering period: March to May

Pollen:  ❶❷❸❹

Nectar: ❶❷❸❹

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

See also:

• The Goat Willow – A Spring Windfall
• Hazel (Corylus avellana)
• Maple (Acer sp.)
• The Dandelion
• Pollen Supply and Colony Development