Category Archives: Morning Glory

Honey Bee Friendly Flower: Morning Glory

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In my continuing efforts to document flowers in and around St. John’s that seem to attract honey bees, allow me to introduce a viney plant we call Morning Glory that blooms around this time of the year. Here’s a photo from September 5th, 2011, proof that honey bees go for it:

Honey bee on white flower. (Sept. 5, 2011.)

Honey bee on white flower. (Sept. 5, 2011.)

I first recognized Morning Glory as a pollen and nectar source for the bees after saw what I thought were Mutant Bees. Here’s another shot of Morning Glory from September 18th, 2013:

Morning Glory, a pollen source in the fall. (Sept. 18, 2013.)

Morning Glory, a pollen source in the fall. (Sept. 18, 2013.)

It’s also known as Field Bindwind or Convolvulus arvensis.

Funny Looking Pollen Markings

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I recently noticed some honey bees with white markings in one of my new hives. Only a small percentage of the bees have the markings, some more distinctive than others.

I’m not sure if it’s a sign of some disease or simply cool looking honey bee genetics at play. The colony seems healthy and thriving. Someone suggested it could be white pollen rubbing off onto the bees’ backs. If that’s the case, I might know where the bees are getting their pollen. I shall investigate. Stay tuned for updates…
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