Thyme, a common herb, is a significant resource for pollinating insects. Bees show a strong preference for the plant’s tiny flowers, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape. Beekeepers recognize thyme as a reliable, high-quality source of nectar that supports colony health and honey production during its flowering period.
The Attractants in Thyme
The primary draw of thyme for bees is the abundant, rich nectar produced by its small blossoms. Thyme flowers secrete nectar that provides a high concentration of sugars, supplying the necessary energy for foraging bees. This caloric reward ensures that bees will prioritize thyme patches even when other, less energy-dense flowers are available nearby.
Beyond simple sugars, the chemical composition of thyme provides an additional benefit to the insect visitors. Thyme’s powerful aromatic compounds, known as terpenes, are present in both the nectar and the collected pollen. These compounds, which include thymol and carvacrol, are a major component of the plant’s essential oil.
Research indicates that these terpenes possess antimicrobial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with common bee diseases. By collecting thyme pollen and nectar, bees may effectively be engaging in a form of self-medication, gathering plant products that help maintain the health of their colony. The strong scent of these volatile organic compounds also acts as a long-distance chemical signal, guiding pollinators directly to the source of the beneficial resources.
Best Thyme Varieties for Pollinators
While most varieties of thyme (Thymus spp.) attract bees, the best options are those that produce the densest and most prolonged bloom. Common thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is a garden staple that offers pink to lilac flowers and is highly favored by both honeybees and bumblebees. Its upright growth habit makes the blossoms easily accessible to many insect species.
Creeping thyme, particularly Thymus serpyllum, is exceptionally valuable because it forms a dense, low-growing mat that becomes completely covered in blooms. This concentration of flowers allows bees to efficiently collect large amounts of nectar and pollen without expending much energy flying between individual plants. Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is also a good choice, offering a different scent profile and providing blooms that extend the foraging season. Gardeners can encourage a consistent supply of nectar by lightly trimming the plants after the initial flowering to promote a second flush of blossoms.
Thyme’s Role in Beekeeping and Honey Production
Thyme is a significant honey plant, particularly in the Mediterranean, where it is a primary source for specialized honey production. Beekeepers strategically place colonies near large, wild fields of thyme to produce monofloral honey. A single hectare of blooming thyme can yield an impressive quantity of honey, sometimes up to 180 kilograms.
Thyme honey is highly prized for its amber to reddish-golden color and a strong, herbaceous flavor profile. The taste often features notes of wild herbs and sometimes a slight spiciness, reflecting the plant’s essential oil content. This honey is also known for its high concentration of antioxidants and antibacterial properties, often linked directly to the presence of thymol.