In a recent e-mail, one of my readers from Mississippi listed the plants that provide the nectar for his honey. Among the plants in the list was the Chinese tallow tree, a species I knew nothing about. So here is what I found.
The Chinese tallow tree, Triadica sebifera (aka Sapium sebiferum) is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. It grows 30 to 50 feet tall, prefers full sun, and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. The plant is a native of eastern Asia and was introduced into the United States by Benjamin Franklin in 1772.
The Chinese tallow tree is now considered an invasive species in most areas in which it grows. In fact, the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation named it “one of the ten worst invasive weeds” in the state. It has become particularly problematic in eastern Texas where it grows in vast monocultures.
The tree is also known as the candleberry tree, chicken tree, popcorn tree, and Florida aspen. The sap and leaves are poisonous, causing skin irritations. In its homeland, the waxy coating from the seeds—which is not poisonous—was used for making soap and candles. The tree is deciduous and in the fall the leaves turn many different colors, making a striking display.
In spite of all its negative attributes, the Chinese tallow is known for producing large quantities of high-quality honey in many areas of the south. The plant flowers in June and beekeepers often move their hives into tallow tree areas in order to harvest the bountiful nectar.
For a great photo of a Chinese tallow tree in fall click here.
Rusty
Do you have any idea of the production range of tallow in honey lbs per acre? We have a real problem with them in Texas and, while there are other plants that produce in the same season, being able to calculate a comparison would be very useful.
For comparison; http://www.themelissagarden.com/TMG_Vetaley031608.htm
This doesn’t answer your question but it’s interesting. The quote is from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council:
I have a copy of that. There are a few other resources that comment on the quality and profitability of Tallow Honey, I just can’t nail down a quantification of yield. In the Houston area, tallow has displaced more than a quarter of all other trees. Like other states, it has become illegal to plant them but I know of beekeepers who simply let them grow from the ample seeds these trees throw down. In fact, there is no world in which everyone involved will choose to give up food or even some portion of college tuition for their kids in consideration of a nebulous idea like “the Environment” or “Global Warming” or even something that affects nectar output like “climate resilience” without having something concrete to hang their hats on.
Fyi, i read an article that the species of tallow that Ben Franklin brought here was from western or central Asia. The eastern Asia tallow that pollutes most of the Gulf Coast was introduced by federal biologists. Juat saying what i read not necessarily true.
Interesting. African honey bees were brought to the Americas by biologists as well.
Chinese tallow makes great honey, yes. But it crystallizes VERY quickly!
@ Pego Rice
As for honey production, though, it is a winner (a silver lining?). While the leaves and sap contain toxins the nectar does not and bees love it, yielding impressive amounts of honey per colony. Apiarists in Texas and Louisiana claim colony yields ranging from 35 to 200 lbs, with averages of 100 lbs.
http://honeyarchives.blogspot.com/2017/10/tallow-tree-honey-walker-honey-farm.html