Philadelphia Fleabane is an herbaceous, native perennial in the Aster family that blooms May through October. It is a great draw for all species of pollinators — just look at this one picture:
Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) – top.
Modest Masked Bees (Hylaeus modestus) – in flight.
Fun Fact: At one time folks believed that using the dried flowers would drive away fleas (hence its name), but this has since been proven untrue.
Rural Ballerina
On the rural roadside, dusty and wide,
The dainty pink fleabane dances with pride.
Wearing a tutu with eyelash-fine rings,
She draws the bees on their gossamer wings.
A buzzing affair of tiny dark guests,
Sip sweet elixir before they build nests.
And there in the center, a splendid sight—
A Pure Green Sweat Bee, a jewel in flight,
Lands on the gold like a gemstone well-set—
Prettiest pairing the meadow has met.
A wild wee rosette that sleeps in the clay,
To wake up and adorn meadows in May.
No gardener planted her under the sky—
She gives a cute curtsy to folks driving by.
’Til next time, y’all…
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