Phacelia is a genus of over 150 plant species, out of which Phacelia tanacetifolia is a widespread melliferous plant. It is native to North America but is cultivated in many countries for beekeeping. It produces a lot of nectar and pollen, so it yields large quantities of honey per hectare. It is also grown for biological control of unwanted vegetation, as it covers the soil well and suppresses weeds.
Lacy phacelia (fiddleneck) honey is, however, not often found as a monofloral honey, due to the fact that this plant needs to be cultivated, so production costs are higher than for honey obtained from wild flowers. It has a slightly pungent odour, a floral taste and a specific minty aftertaste. It crystallizes relatively quickly.
