Gentian Pollination

Gentian being pollinated by a bee.
Bottleneck Gentian's corolla remains closed at the top even when the flower is ready for pollinating insects. Bumblebees are it's primary pollinators, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. Some gentians are used in herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to lower fevers, strengthener of the memory, and as a liver tonic. It's also used as a gastric stimulant to treat a loss of appetite, digestive problems, flatulence, and insufficient production of gastric juices and saliva. It's often used in Bitters.

Cutest Little Bum

Yes, that is a bumblebee tush sticking out of a bottleneck gentian flower.

Bottleneck Gentian Flowers

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Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.

Apple Blossoms Surprise

Apple Blossoms In September? 

Yes, I took this photo today, in South Burlington, Vt. 

Have you ever seen a fruit tree bloom any time other than spring? 

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Anemone Flowers

Anemone Flowers, Also known as the Windflower, Grecian windflower, Japanese Anemone. In general Anemone do best in woodland conditions in light, cool, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. 

Bee On Anemone

Bee Pollinating Anemone

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Glistening In The Rain

Glistening In The Rain. 

Japanese red maple tree dripping beauty.

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Goldenrod

 

Bee On Goldenrod

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Goldenrod.
Goldenrod is a perennial plant, well-known for its healing properties. This wild edible reproduces through its roots, bulbs, stems and by its seed. Goldenrod does not cause seasonal allergies as many tend to believe. Very few people are allergic to goldenrod pollen because goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky, and is spread by insects, instead of the wind like ragweed is. Only wind-pollinated plants--like ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia), which blooms at the same time as goldenrod, and has an especially irritating pollen - make enough pollen, and spread it widely enough, to cause allergic reactions. Medicinally it's used to counter allergies (especially pollen allergies), fevers, sore throats, coughs, colds and the flu, as a gentle tonic to the kidney and urinary systems, to relieve colic in babies, and gas in adults. Goldenrod can be used fresh or as a dried herb to make tea (although it is bitter), or as a fluid extract, tincture, or in capsules. All aerial parts of the plant can be used. The flowers are edible and make attractive garnishes on salads. Flowers and leaves (fresh or dried) are used to make tea. Leaves can be cooked like spinach or added to soups, stews or casseroles. Leaves can be blanched and frozen for later use in soups, stews, or stir fry throughout the winter or spring.

 

Monarch Butterfly On Goldenrod

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Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!

© all rights reserved by Elise T. Marks. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.

Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants and mushrooms are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.

I like what is said about Goldenrod here:

https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/foraging-using-goldenrod/

Irises

Lovely Irises

 Blue Flag Irises

Blue Flag Irises growing wild by the water

Iris germanica 'Batik'

Batik Irises

My batik irises usually have more purple than white, but I really like this unusual one as well.

Lovely Bearded Irises

The roots of the iris plant have been used medicinally to treat skin infections, syphilis, stomach problems and dropsy. Today the roots are still used to purge the liver. Some alternative medicine uses include using yellow iris to treat dandruff and white iris to treat asthma and bronchitis, as well as use as a diuretic.

So Pretty In Purple, Irises

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Mediterranean Bells Allium

Mediterranean Bells Allium
Also Known as Sicilian honey lily, or Sicilian Honey Garlic.
The bulbs are not edible but the leaves are dried and used as seasoning in Bulgaria where it is grown as an herb. The thickest leaves are cut and pulverized with equal parts salt and the mixture is dried. It is used as a seasoning salt on vegetables, potatoes, etc. The leaves may also be used in a similar fashion to chives and the flowers make a pretty garnish.

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