Macros - Bee-Flower_6775.jpg (1/1)
 

Bee on a flower...what are those flowers?

Macros - Bee-Flower_6775.jpg (1/1)
 

"Donn Thorson" wrote in message
...
Bee on a flower...what are those flowers?



Hi Donn,

Once again, excellent macros.

This flower is Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), but might be a
cultivar rather than the straight species because the flowers appear
slightly more pink than the magenta-purple of those of the species. Many
years ago it was considered a beautiful and useful, long blooming perennial
garden flower, however it's a species introduced to North America from
Europe and has naturalized over here to the point of becoming invasive.
Unfortunately it can invade wetlands and displace our own native species
such as cattails and other wetland plants. Biological controls have been
introduced and it seems to be under control in many places. Apparently a
single plant can produce up to 3 million seeds, but I never saw a single
seedling grow around the plant I had. Most cultivars were considered to be
sterile and unable to produce seed, but they were still thought to be
capable of pollinating the wild species if they were growing in close enough
proximity. Ducks Unlimited has carried on a campaign for many years to
eradicate Lythrum salicaria from North America, including the sterile
cultivars people had growing in their gardens.

Regards,
Rick A

Macros - Bee-Flower_6775.jpg (1/1)
 

In article ,
"Radar" wrote:

"Donn Thorson" wrote in message
...
Bee on a flower...what are those flowers?



Hi Donn,

Once again, excellent macros.

This flower is Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), but might be a
cultivar rather than the straight species because the flowers appear
slightly more pink than the magenta-purple of those of the species. Many
years ago it was considered a beautiful and useful, long blooming perennial
garden flower, however it's a species introduced to North America from
Europe and has naturalized over here to the point of becoming invasive.
Unfortunately it can invade wetlands and displace our own native species
such as cattails and other wetland plants. Biological controls have been
introduced and it seems to be under control in many places. Apparently a
single plant can produce up to 3 million seeds, but I never saw a single
seedling grow around the plant I had. Most cultivars were considered to be
sterile and unable to produce seed, but they were still thought to be
capable of pollinating the wild species if they were growing in close enough
proximity. Ducks Unlimited has carried on a campaign for many years to
eradicate Lythrum salicaria from North America, including the sterile
cultivars people had growing in their gardens.

Regards,
Rick A

Thanks Rick, We have had those growing for years at the various homes we
have had. They really attract the bees!
-Donn