Cleome Serrulata, Rocky Mountain Bee-Plant

The inflorescence of cleome serrulata is large and attractive; the plant produces many rounded clusters, composed of dozens of four-petaled flowers that open gradually over a period of several weeks. Flowers are rich pink in color, with a pale center; they have six stamens and one ovary, all borne on long tubes that project some way beyond the petals. All are bright green at the tip. The abundant flowers are particularly favoured by bees. Seeds form in a long (up to 4 inches) narrow green pod, hanging downwards, and may be present lower down the stem while the upper part still has flowers and buds.

The palmate leaves grow all along the stems, in a regular arrangement. Parts of the plant have long been used for a variety of purposes, including as a food, dye and medicine.