Poison-Oak & Chittum

This honey varietal derived primarily from poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and chittum (Rhamnus purshiana) nectar was harvested in mid-June in the Oregon Coast Range near Philomath, OR. It is available in 8 oz (BPA-free) plastic squeeze bottles or 22 oz glass jars.

The apiary site is located at about 1,000 feet elevation in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. In the spring, there are ample nectar and pollen resources from a diverse understory, but lack of soil moisture limits summer nectar flow, so the beekeeper moves bees farther west as the site dries up.  

Poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is one of the dominant understory species in the area and grows unsupported up to 12 feet tall or will vine up trees to at least 50 feet. Poison-oak has white, star-shaped flowers that hang in grape-like clusters. The species is so dense in this area that hives generally produce surplus honey while the poison-oak is blooming in May if the weather permits foraging. The oils in the leaves and stems of the plant can cause dermatitis, but the bees are unaffected. 

Chittum (Rhamnus purshiana), also know as cascara or cascara buckthorn, is a large shrub or small tree that grows abundantly in our area. The name chittum comes from a Chinook jargon term derived from English for the laxative properties of the bark. Chittum has a sustained bloom from April until as late as June, and its small, inconspicuous, green flowers have easily accessible nectaries. It is a critical nectar flow for the bee colonies’ spring buildup in Western Oregon.

Honey is never heated over natural hive temperatures, and we only filter it minimally, so it may include pollen, small wax particles, and the occasional bee bit. All natural honey will solidify eventually. To liquify, place the jar in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water. Our honeys are never flavored or infused with added ingredients. The varietal names indicate the primary nectar source plants the bees were foraging on at the time of honey production.  

If you intend to buy this honey as a gift, please include a note for the recipient at checkout.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this or any of our other products, oldbluerawhoney@gmail.com.

Shipping: Honey will be mailed USPS Priority within 3 business days of purchase and should arrive 2-3 days later.

At this time, we are unable to ship internationally.