June marks the arrival of summer... and the flowering of linden, a melliferous plant beloved by bees. This majestic large tree fills our towns and countryside with a sweet and soothing scent. But did you know it is also one of the most precious sources of nectar for foragers at this time of year? Focus on linden, our melliferous plant of the month of June.
Linden, a generous and emblematic tree
Linden is a deciduous tree of the Tiliaceae family, commonly found in parks, forests, and along roads. There are several species, including:
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The small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata),
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The large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos),
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And the silver linden (Tilia tomentosa).
It can live for several hundred years and often measures between 15 and 30 meters tall. Its flowering generally takes place in June, sometimes early July depending on the region.
Why is linden a melliferous plant?
Linden is considered a major melliferous plant due to the richness of its flowers:
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Its pale yellow flowers emit an enchanting and sweet fragrance,
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They produce an abundant and very attractive nectar for bees,
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They are also rich in pollen, making them a complete food resource for colonies.
A single tree can attract thousands of bees during flowering, which usually lasts from 10 to 15 days. It's an intense period for hives located nearby!
Linden honey: a nectar with soothing properties
The bees that gather nectar from linden flowers produce a monofloral honey highly appreciated for:
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Its powerful and mentholated flavor, sometimes slightly woody,
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Its intense and persistent floral aroma,
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Its amber to light yellow color.
But above all, linden honey is known for its soothing properties. It is often recommended in cases of:
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Sleep disorders,
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Stress or nervousness,
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Difficult digestion.
It is a honey gentle for the body as well as the mind.
Bees weakened by the Asian hornet
For several years, the Asian hornet has worried beekeepers, farmers, and nature lovers. Invasive and formidable, it attacks bees and disrupts the balance of our ecosystems. These predators from Southeast Asia hunt foragers, causing heavy losses in colonies. The linden bloom in June therefore comes at the right time to offer an abundant source of nectar to bees already weakened by predation. Protecting hives and diversifying nectar sources, such as the linden, helps strengthen the resilience of colonies against this threat.
The linden, a precious ally for biodiversity
Beyond its role for bees, the linden:
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Shelters many pollinating insects (bumblebees, butterflies...),
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Provides shade and a refuge for birds,
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Contributes to the fight against urban pollution, especially in cities.
Planting or preserving a linden tree is therefore a concrete act in favor of local biodiversity and climate warming.
In June, the linden brings joy to bees and honey lovers
Every year, the linden bloom marks a key moment in the honey calendar. It is a period of abundance for the bees, and a promise of honey with an unmistakable aroma for the months to come.
At Miel Factory, we carefully select a linden honey from French terroirs where nature is respected. A way to value the work of bees and to let you discover a honey that is both powerful and comforting.