What is spring titi? Spring titi (Cliftonia monophylla) is a shrubby plant that produces lovely, pinkish-white blooms between March and June, depending on the climate. It is also known by names such as buckwheat tree, ironwood, cliftonia, or black titi tree.
Although spring titi makes a lovely plant for home landscapes, you may be concerned about spring titi nectar and bees. There is no reason for worry; spring titi and bees get along just fine.
Read on for more spring titi information and learn more about spring titi and bees.
Spring Titi Information
Spring titi is native to the warm, tropical climates of the southeastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and South America. It is especially abundant in wet, acidic soil. It isn’t suitable for growing north of USDA plant hardiness zone 8b.
If you’re concerned about spring titi and bees, you’re
probably thinking of summer titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), also known as
red titi, swamp cyrilla, leatherwood, or swamp titi. Although bees love the
sweet blooms of summer titi, the nectar can cause purple brood, a condition
that turns the larvae purple or blue. The condition is deadly, and may also
affect pupae and adult bees.
Fortunately, purple brood isn’t widespread, but it is
considered a serious problem for beekeepers
in certain areas, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.
Although it isn’t common, titi purple brood has been found in other areas,
including southwest Texas.
Spring Titi and Bees
Spring titi is an important honey plant. Beekeepers love spring titi because the generous production of nectar and pollen make wonderful, medium-dark honey. Butterflies and other pollinators are also attracted to the fragrant blooms.
If you aren’t sure if the plants in your area are bee-friendly
or if you’re planting the most appropriate type of titi in your garden, contact
the local beekeeper’s association, or call your local
cooperative extension office for advice.
What is spring titi? Spring titi (Cliftonia monophylla) is a shrubby plant that produces lovely, pinkish-white blooms between March and June, depending on the climate. It is also known by names such as buckwheat tree, ironwood, cliftonia, or black titi tree.
Although spring titi makes a lovely plant for home landscapes, you may be concerned about spring titi nectar and bees. There is no reason for worry; spring titi and bees get along just fine.
Read on for more spring titi information and learn more about spring titi and bees.
Spring Titi Information
Spring titi is native to the warm, tropical climates of the southeastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and South America. It is especially abundant in wet, acidic soil. It isn’t suitable for growing north of USDA plant hardiness zone 8b.
If you’re concerned about spring titi and bees, you’re
probably thinking of summer titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), also known as
red titi, swamp cyrilla, leatherwood, or swamp titi. Although bees love the
sweet blooms of summer titi, the nectar can cause purple brood, a condition
that turns the larvae purple or blue. The condition is deadly, and may also
affect pupae and adult bees.
Fortunately, purple brood isn’t widespread, but it is
considered a serious problem for beekeepers
in certain areas, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.
Although it isn’t common, titi purple brood has been found in other areas,
including southwest Texas.
Spring Titi and Bees
Spring titi is an important honey plant. Beekeepers love spring titi because the generous production of nectar and pollen make wonderful, medium-dark honey. Butterflies and other pollinators are also attracted to the fragrant blooms.
If you aren’t sure if the plants in your area are bee-friendly
or if you’re planting the most appropriate type of titi in your garden, contact
the local beekeeper’s association, or call your local
cooperative extension office for advice.