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Bruso, George H.
Cleome serrulata Pursh
Rocky Mountain beeplant, Rocky mountain bee plant, Waa, Skunk weed
Capparaceae (Caper Family)
USDA Symbol: CLSE
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Annual with erect stem is leafy and branching above. Leaflets occur in threes. Branched stems have palmately compound leaves and, in racemes at ends of branches, pink or reddish-purple flowers (sometimes white). Showy clusters of pink flowers continue to elongate during the season, so that the slender seed capsules may be present even while the upper portion of the inflorescence in still flowering. Six conspicuous stamens protrude beyond the pink petals. Rocky Mountain beeplant may attain 4-5 ft.
Flowers produce copious nectar and attract bees, hence the common name. Indians boiled the strong leaves for food and as a stomachache remedy. In times of drought early Spanish-Americans made tortillas from the barely palatable but nourishing seeds.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , CT , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , MA , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , SD , TX , UT , WA , WI , WYCanada: AB
Native Distribution: E. WA to CA, e. to Sask. & extreme n.e. TX; introduced eastward
Native Habitat: Prairies; open woods; wash areas; disturbed sites
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Members of this genus have been cultivated as garden ornamentals. Rocky Mountain beeplant is recommended for short-term stabilization and beautification.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Bees are attracted to the pink flowers, and seeds are important food for doves and other small birds.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Honey Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Cleome serrulata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Checkered White (Pontia protodice)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed. Sow thickly as germination is poor.Seed Collection: Rounded, brown, corn-shaped seeds fall out of the pod at maturity.
Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary but moist stratification may enhance germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.4 - Research Update, Wild-Collecting Endangers Natives, Director's Report, Maryland ...Wildflower Newsletter 1994 VOL. 11, NO.1 - Winter Botanizing Using Stems, Director's Report, Welcome New Education Director...
Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Cleome serrulata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cleome serrulata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cleome serrulata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-09-09Research By: TWC Staff
