A Plant for Bumblebees


I FOUND A TROVE OF FLOWER PHOTOS today, including quite a few shots of plants that appeal to pollinators. For example, the photo above shows a monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus, that is native all up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast and has naturalized in many other parts of the world. This wetland wildflower is adapted for pollination by insects, especially bumblebees: Note that the lower petals have evolved into a sturdy "lip" that will support a fairly heavy insect when it lands. The dots that lead down the throat of the plant are called nectar guides because they quite literally guide the bee to where the nectar is. When the bee puts its head into the flower in search of nectar, it will become covered in pollen that it will transfer to another plant.

Yellow Monkeyflower is one of North America's most charming wildflowers, perfect for wet areas in the garden. When happy it spreads aggressively and flowers profusely.
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