Rocky Mountain Bee Plant: Cleome serrulata

Bee_101
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant: Cleome serrulata was a wonderful late blooming wildflower near us this year. It drew numerous species of bees, and butterflies, from near and far and always had visitors when in bloom providing pollinators with a generous sip of nectar.

Bee_102

Growing up to 4 ft tall Bee Plant stands out in the fields of tall fall grasses.A beautiful and very sculptural wildflower Bee Plant is fun to photograph as well.

Bee_103

According to the USDA “Cleome serrulata is an important cultural plant for many Southwestern Indian tribes. The young, tender shoots and leaves are good sources of vitamin A and calcium. In the past they were used as potherbs or medicinally as teas for fevers and other ailments. The seeds were ground and used to make gruel or bread. The Navajo still use the plant as a source of yellow-green dye for their beautiful wool rugs and blankets. Many pueblo tribes use a concentrated form of dye, made from boiling the plant into a thick black resin, to paint designs on pottery or for decorating their baskets.”

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On this particular afternoon the little green sweat bees were enjoying the plant to no end.

Bee_105

Every flower seems to have a visitor.

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And one last look as even the bee fly mimics got in on the action.

Bee_107

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant: Cleome serrulata

Bee_101
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant: Cleome serrulata was a wonderful late blooming wildflower near us this year. It drew numerous species of bees, and butterflies, from near and far and always had visitors when in bloom providing pollinators with a generous sip of nectar.

Bee_102

Growing up to 4 ft tall Bee Plant stands out in the fields of tall fall grasses.A beautiful and very sculptural wildflower Bee Plant is fun to photograph as well.

Bee_103

According to the USDA “Cleome serrulata is an important cultural plant for many Southwestern Indian tribes. The young, tender shoots and leaves are good sources of vitamin A and calcium. In the past they were used as potherbs or medicinally as teas for fevers and other ailments. The seeds were ground and used to make gruel or bread. The Navajo still use the plant as a source of yellow-green dye for their beautiful wool rugs and blankets. Many pueblo tribes use a concentrated form of dye, made from boiling the plant into a thick black resin, to paint designs on pottery or for decorating their baskets.”

Bee_104

On this particular afternoon the little green sweat bees were enjoying the plant to no end.

Bee_105

Every flower seems to have a visitor.

Bee_106

And one last look as even the bee fly mimics got in on the action.

Bee_107

More Purple

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Purple wildflowers in may shades filled the meadows all summer long. From the Bergamot or Bee Balm: Monarda fistulosa L. to the purple flowers in grass filled meadows.

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The Lupine in the alpine meadows offer a bit of pollen to the bees.

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And the Rocky Mountain Columbine. More_purple_4

All purple of a different shade and a wonderful way to remember a summer filled with flowers.

So just a bit more purple before all thought of summer fades.

Happy weekend to all.