ironweed

Melissodes, as a genus, are generally are fall fliers.  Melissodes denticulatus here flies July through early September, in synchrony with the ironweed bloom and collects all that fantastic white pollen for her larva. Fall in love with this ironweed specialist bee.

These beautiful, tall, vibrant purple native flowers are a welcome sign of late summer and a BOON to many insects. They are a valuable late season nectar source for many insects and butterflies, and their pollen is a required resource for specialist long-horned bees.