Tag Archive | Bees
The Non-Native Beauty
In my daughter’s Maryland spring backyard, I discovered a dainty blue wildflower growing in the shade cast by trees and in the shadow of a wooden fence that borders her property. With scalloped leaves and four petaled flowers, the slender speedwell thrives in the moist soils here. A non-native, this plant traveled from Europe to […]
Heath Aster Feeds Insects
Asters and goldenrods are fall wildflowers that produce nectar and pollen for many insects that are preparing for the upcoming winter. Heath aster is one of wildflower that blooms in the fall. Its heath-like growth and white daisy-like blossoms is what makes this aster stand out from other types. Bumble bees, honey bees, wasps, butterflies, […]
The Soap Bush!
When I worked in state parks in New York, I frequently conducted guided tours of parklands to school, scouts and the general public. One of the shrubs I featured in the early summer was sweet pepperbush when this plant bloomed. I tore off a flower and demonstrated how it became an abrasive soap to wash […]
Wild “Apples” of the Forest
If you see a small tree with with white blossoms that looks similar to a wild rose flowers, you may have found a species of chokeberry. Its five petaled bloom with pink stamens attract bees responsible for pollination. These small trees are four to eight feet tall and are members of the rose family. These […]
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