Rocky Mountain Bee Plant: The Native Wildflower that Attracts Bees

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, also known as Cleome Serrulata, is a native wildflower that is commonly found in the Rocky Mountains region of North America. This plant has long been recognized for its ability to attract bees and other pollinators due to its unique floral characteristics. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, its uses, and how it can be grown in your garden.

The Benefits of Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is an important component of the ecosystem in which it grows. It provides food and habitat for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Additionally, the plant is known for its medicinal properties and has traditionally been used by Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments.

One of the primary benefits of Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is its ability to attract bees. Bees are essential pollinators that play a critical role in our food supply. Without them, many crops would not be able to produce fruit or seeds. By planting Rocky Mountain Bee Plant in your garden, you can help support bee populations and contribute to the health of our environment.

Uses of Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant has a variety of uses, both medicinal and culinary. Historically, Native Americans used the plant to treat everything from coughs and colds to headaches and sore throats. They also used it as a poultice for wounds and bruises.

Today, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is still used for its medicinal properties. It is said to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, making it effective for treating a variety of skin conditions. The plant is also sometimes used to make teas or tinctures that are said to have a calming effect on the body.

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is also edible and has a mild, peppery flavor. The young leaves and flowers can be added to salads or cooked like spinach. The seeds are also edible and can be roasted or ground into flour.

Growing Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is relatively easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of soil types. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It also prefers well-draining soil and does not require much water once established.

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant can be started from seed indoors or sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. The plant will grow up to 3 feet tall and produces vibrant pink or purple flowers from mid-summer to early fall.

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Flowers

Caring for Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Once established, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant requires very little care. Watering should only be done during prolonged drought periods. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. In the fall, the plant will naturally drop its seeds and may self-seed in the garden.

It is important to note that Rocky Mountain Bee Plant can become weedy if not managed properly. To prevent this, remove any seedlings that sprout in unwanted areas and cut back the plant after it has finished blooming.

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a valuable addition to any garden. Not only does it attract pollinators and support the ecosystem, but it also has medicinal and culinary uses. By growing Rocky Mountain Bee Plant in your garden, you can contribute to the health of the environment and enjoy its many benefits.

Native plants, Bee-friendly plants, Medicinal plants, Edible plants