Silphium Perfoliatum L. - plant with potential for honey production

The article presents the results of a study on the biological characteristics of Silphium perfoliatum L., evaluated as a potential melliferous species under the pedoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova. The research, conducted at the "Alexandru Ciubotaru" National Botanical Garden (Institute) of the Moldova State University, included phenological observations and an analysis of the spectrum of pollinating insects, with particular focus on the activity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) during the flowering period of the plants. Surveys carried out on the experimental sectors revealed a high frequency of honey bees on silphium flowers, underlining the value of this species as an important honey resource in the context of adaptation to climate change and the expansion of the assortment of honey plants.