Major Nectar Plants


 Black mangrove, Avicennia germinans (L.) L.
[A. nitida Jacq.] (names in brackets following the
genus and species are incorrect although commonly
used), fringes coastal areas from Levy County on the
west coast of north central peninsular Florida to the
Keys and up the east coast as far as Volusia County
in the central peninsula. It is considered one of the
state's better nectar sources. Blooming in June and
July, it produces surpluses almost every year. This
nectar source has greatly declined over the years
because of intensive urbanization, shore development
and severe freezes.

 Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi,
or Florida holly is a medium sized shrub, sometimes
growing to tree height. It occurs throughout south-
ern peninsular Florida and blooms from August to
October. This is one of Florida's best nectar-
producing plants. The honey has a distinct "peppery"
taste and is not considered by many to be of a table
grade, but is accepted well locally.

 Cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto (Walt.) Lodd. ex
Schultes, sometimes called cabbage palmetto, is the
state tree of Florida. It can be found throughout
peninsular Florida, north to South Carolina and
westward along the Gulf Coast. If summer rains do
not interfere, bees usually take nectar from cabbage
palms in June and July.

 Gallberry, Ilex glabra (L.) A. Gray, is a common
understory shrub of the flatwoods. It occurs
throughout the state and blooms from March to May.
It is a reliable nectar source, and is considered one


of the finest in Florida. Too much rain during the
blooming period or dryness prior to blooming,
however, will result in less nectar production.
 Punk tree or cajeput, Melaleuca quinquenervia
(Cav.) S. T. Blake, is a relative of eucalyptus and
native to Australia. It is a plant that has escaped
from cultivation. It grows in abundance in southern
Florida and has become the source of much contro-
versy. The species has been blamed for initiating
human respiratory problems, crowding out native
plant species and "drying up" wet areas (e.g. the
Everglades). It may bloom several times a year and
is valuable for sustaining colonies during nectar
dearth. It produces surpluses in August. The honey
is considered distasteful by some, but a market exists
locally for the product.
 Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small, is an
understory plant occurring throughout the state in
low pinelands. It is also one of Florida's superior
nectar sources and has a reputation for producing
surplus honey crops. The honey is light green to
amber and often has a high moisture content.
 White tupelo, Nyssa ogeche Bartr. ex Marsh.,
sometimes called Ogeechee lime, is a small to medium
tree with a buttressed base, principally found along
the shores of streams and lakes from St. Johns to
Levy Counties in north peninsular Florida and west
to Holmes County in the West Florida panhandle. It
blooms from April to May and is one of the better
nectar sources in Florida; the resultant honey is often
in demand because of its light color and resistance
to granulation.


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