Boneset & Honey Bees
Pollinators of the plant known as Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) are too many to list. The nectar and pollen of its fragrant flowers which bloom in late summer and fall attract many kinds of insects, including bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, and beetles. Being a member of the Composite family, Boneset’s flower structure is such that the nectar is very accessible and therefore a popular feeding site, especially for Honey Bees (see photo) which are reliant this time of year upon the flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers for nectar which they convert to honey and store for their winter supply of food.
Honey Bees also really love white Garlic Chive blossoms…which self sow and I let grow wherever they want to!
August 25, 2017 at 7:18 am
I noticed it on my walk on back road. Came home to ID it as love the blossom & the leaf structure.
August 25, 2017 at 8:47 am
Dear Ms. Holland,
Thank you! I love that you put beautiful, high-res photos in your daily posts, so when I enlarge them (on any device) to see, for example, the detail of the flower or the honey bee, it is available in all its lovely crispness. I’ve been meaning to thank you for this. It’s just great.
Yours,
Fifi Ball 617-699-4539
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August 25, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Hi, Mary: I wonder if the giant caterpillar in the wasp’s grip that I asked about might be a tomato horn caterpillar; Evening Song Farmers described a similar one in their garden the other day.
Thanks,
Joan
August 25, 2017 at 8:55 pm
My chives produce flowers much like boneset, and they attract many different kinds of insects. They are about to bloom.
August 26, 2017 at 9:53 am