Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Cleome serrulata

BOTANICAL SAMPLE 

Harvested Aug 2024  Packed for 2025

65 Seeds per packet

The Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is an attractive and versatile native plant commonly found in the western United States and parts of Canada. This showy North American native wildflower quickly grows into a bush 3-4’ tall and almost as wide. It thrives and can naturalize in disturbed clayey soils, but will grow well in richer sandy loams. It is often cultivated for its ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal. Found in grasslands, prairies, roadsides, and disturbed areas, thriving in well-draining soils. Native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for food, dye, and medicine. The seeds can be ground into flour. Boiled leaves were consumed as greens.

Also called bee spiderflower due to its resemblance to other spiderflowers (Cleome spp.) and its attraction to pollinators. Its vibrant, nectar-rich flowers are critical food sources for bees, particularly in arid regions where floral resources may be limited.  Flower petals were used to produce dyes.  Ideal for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, or as an ornamental plant. Often used in reseeding efforts to restore native plant communities.  This resilient plant is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems and enjoy vibrant summer blooms.

Physical Characteristics: Nectar laden flowers at the end of stems are large, pink clusters with long stamens that curve to the ground like spider legs forming seed pods. New buds continue to form and bloom on stem ends throughout the summer. Typically grows 1 to 4 feet tall, with an upright, branching form. Displays palmately compound leaves, usually divided into three slender leaflets, giving it a delicate appearance. The flowers are showy, bright pink to purple (sometimes pale pink or white). The flowers form in dense clusters at the top of the stems, resembling fireworks or spider flowers. Each flower has long stamens, which extend outward, adding to the dramatic look. Produces slender seed pods (siliques) that mature into long, narrow capsules filled with small seeds.

Growing Conditions:  Propagated from seed, which germinates best after exposure to cold stratification or scarification. It germinates quickly with a short period (20-30 days) of cold stratification for spring growing or can be sown outdoors in the fall. Self-seeds readily, often forming dense stands over time.  Prefers sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Requires full sun to thrive. Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is well-suited to USDA Zones 3–10.

Ecological Benefits:  A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. As a member of the Cleomaceae family, it can improve soil health by adding organic matter when it dies back.This plant is abuzz with diverse pollinators, tolerant of drought and varied soil conditions and blooms heavily in full sun but will also produce in light shade,