Japanese knotweed pollen

Reynoutria japonica

Pale olive cream, in the cream / white range.

FloweringAugust to October

PollenGood

NectarYes

SeasonSummer, Autumn

WhereWaste and verge, Waterside

Valuable very late nectar, but a damaging invasive, so never plant or move it.

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) in flower — Photo: W.carter, CC0. Wikimedia Commons

Easy to mistake for these

Closest pollen colours in our set, measured the same way the pollen identifier scores a match. Colour alone will not settle it, so check the flowering months and what is actually growing near your hives.

KnapweedJune to September MeadowsweetJune to August ElmFebruary to March HelleboreJanuary to April AppleApril to May

Out at about the same time

GoldenrodGolden Bell heatherPale dull lilac grey Creeping thistlePale creamy yellow Field scabiousDark brick orange-red Globe thistleWhitish, pale cream Himalayan balsamGhostly white

Saw a load like this going in?

Sample the colour against all 89 plants, then keep a forage record per hive.

Pollen identifier