Click on the drop-downs below to learn more about some of the diverse plants (often considered weeds) in our area which attract and support local pollinators.

Goldenrod

Binomial Name: Solidago spp.

Bloom Period: Late summer to fall (August–October)

Habitat: Fields, meadows, roadsides, open woodlands

Identifying Characteristics: Clusters of small yellow flowers on tall, upright stems; lance-shaped leaves; attracts many pollinators

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Dark amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Strong, rich, slightly spicy with a hint of anise or licorice

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

White Clover

Binomial Name: Trifolium repens

Bloom Period: Spring to fall (April–October)

Habitat: Lawns, fields, roadsides, pastures

Identifying Characteristics: Small white flower clusters on creeping stems; trifoliate leaves with a pale crescent pattern

Pollen Color: Pale yellow

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, with a smooth and delicate vanilla-like taste

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Thistle

Binomial Name: Cirsium spp.

Bloom Period: Summer to early fall (June–September)

Habitat: Roadsides, meadows, disturbed soils

Identifying Characteristics: Spiky, deeply lobed leaves with sharp spines; purple or pink tufted flowers; tall, upright stems

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Light to medium amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Mildly floral with a slightly tangy or citrusy undertone

Sunlight: Full sun

Dandelion

Binomial Name: Taraxacum officinale

Bloom Period: Early spring to fall (March–October)

Habitat: Lawns, fields, roadsides, disturbed soils

Identifying Characteristics: Bright yellow, composite flowers; deeply toothed leaves; hollow stems with milky sap

Pollen Color: Bright yellow

Honey Color: Light to medium amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Strong, tangy, slightly bitter with hints of citrus

Sunlight: Full sun

Common Ragweed

Binomial Name: Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Bloom Period: Late summer to fall (August–October)

Habitat: Roadsides, fields, disturbed soils

Identifying Characteristics: Small greenish-yellow flower spikes; deeply lobed, fern-like leaves; highly allergenic pollen

Pollen Color: Yellow

Honey Color: Dark amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Strong, slightly bitter, with an earthy, molasses-like taste

Sunlight: Full sun

Common Plantain

Binomial Name: Plantago major

Bloom Period: Spring to fall (April–September)

Habitat: Lawns, sidewalks, disturbed areas, compacted soils

Identifying Characteristics: Broad, oval leaves with prominent veins; small greenish-white flowers on long, upright stalks

Pollen Color: Pale yellow

Honey Color: Light amber

Honey Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly earthy with subtle herbal notes

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Did you get stung by a bee? Plantain is well-known for its natural ability to reduce pain and inflammation from bee stings. The leaves contain anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties, which help soothe irritation and draw out toxins.

  1. Find a fresh plantain leaf (commonly found in lawns and disturbed areas).
  2. Chew the leaf slightly to release its juices, or crush it between your fingers.
  3. Apply the mashed leaf directly to the bee sting.
  4. Hold in place for a few minutes or secure it with a bandage to help reduce swelling and pain.

This traditional remedy has been used for centuries by herbalists and is especially handy when beekeeping or hiking!