Click on the drop downs below for more information (including honey flavor profile) for a variety of pollinator friendly trees abundant and local to VFM Bees.

Tulip Poplar Tree

Binomial Name: Liriodendron tulipifera

Bloom Period: May–June

Habitat: Moist, well-drained forests, stream banks

Identifying Characteristics: Large tulip-shaped yellow-green flowers with orange centers, uniquely shaped leaves, smooth gray bark on young trees

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Dark amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Robust, and full-bodied. It has a strong, rich flavor with hints of molasses, wood, and spice, giving it a more distinctive, bold taste than lighter honeys

Black Locust Tree

Binomial Name: Robinia pseudoacacia

Bloom Period: May–June

Habitat: Open woodlands, roadsides, disturbed areas

Identifying Characteristics: Compound leaves with oval leaflets, deeply furrowed bark, fragrant white pea-like flowers in drooping clusters

Pollen Color: Light greenish-yellow

Honey Color: Water-white to light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Light, delicate flavor. A floral, slightly fruity taste, often compared to the fragrance of acacia

Black Willow Tree

Binomial Name: Salix nigra

Bloom Period: March–May

Habitat: Wetlands, stream banks, swamps, floodplains

Identifying Characteristics: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges, deeply furrowed dark brown bark, yellowish-green catkins (flower clusters) in early spring

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Robust flavor, slightly earthy taste with hints of molasses or caramel

Red Maple Tree

Binomial Name: Acer rubrum

Bloom Period: March–April

Habitat: Swamps, moist woodlands, roadsides

Identifying Characteristics: Small red flowers in clusters, red-tinged twigs and buds, lobed leaves that turn bright red in fall

Pollen Color: Reddish

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Light, mild, and floral. It’s slightly sweet with a hint of maple flavor offering a clean and subtle taste

Sugar Maple Tree

Binomial Name: Acer saccharum

Bloom Period: April–May

Habitat: Well-drained, fertile forests

Identifying Characteristics: Yellow-green drooping flower clusters, deeply lobed leaves, rough gray bark with age

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Rich, caramel-like sweetness, with a pronounced maple flavor. Less floral and more earthy than lighter honeys

Eastern Redbud Tree

Binomial Name: Cercis canadensis

Bloom Period: March–May

Habitat: Forest edges, understory of hardwood forests, roadsides

Identifying Characteristics: Bright pink to purple pea-like flowers that emerge before leaves, heart-shaped leaves, smooth gray bark that darkens with age

Pollen Color: Bright orange

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Floral, slightly sweet taste with undertones of vanilla and a mild woodiness

Linden Tree

Binomial Name: Tilia americana

Bloom Period: June–July

Habitat: Rich, moist soils in mixed hardwood forests

Identifying Characteristics: Large heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges, fragrant yellowish flowers in hanging clusters, smooth gray bark when young

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Distinct, strong herbal taste, with a refreshing minty or citrus-like note. Often considered slightly tangy or spicy

Black Cherry Tree

Binomial Name: Prunus serotina

Bloom Period: April–May

Habitat: Mixed forests, disturbed areas

Identifying Characteristics: Small white flowers in elongated clusters, dark flaky bark with a burnt almond smell, long, narrow leaves with fine serration

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Dark amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Light, fruity flavor with a slight tartness. Typically mild and smooth, with hints of dark fruit, such as cherry or berry