Bee Plant (Scrophularia californica) Login         


        Description
  • Height 2 - 4 ft.
  • CA Bloom Feb - May
  • Bee plant is tall, with prominent triangular leaves and tiny brownish-red flowers.
  • Small flowers are less than 1/2" across and have a nectar disk to reward pollinating bees.
  • Opposite leaves have stalks that connect to the stem.
  • Found in moist places below 8,000 feet.
  • CA native
  • AKA California Bee Plant, California Figwort
  • Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae)



This view of the flower from below shows two rounded petals on top, two side petals, and one folded out like a tongue.



A square stem supports large, opposite, toothed leaves. This might make you think "Mint" but it's not.


Bee Plant grows several feet high with opposite, narrow leaves sticking straight out. Flowers are on horizontal stalks near the top.

   Photo Gallery (51 ) click any picture to enlarge
    

Bee Plant has a rough, square stem that grows up to 4 feet tall. Sharply toothed, pointed leaves are arranged [[opposite]] each other on the lower ...
The stem is thick, square and hairy. It's often purple-tinged.
Leaves are large (up to 7" long), dwarfing the tiny brownish-red flowers at the top. The rough leaf teeth and pointed tips are easy to spot.
Veins are indented on the top of the leaf and stand out on the bottom side.
At 1/2 inch across, the flower looks a bit like a hollow bud with a deep cavity. At the base of the cavity is a [[nectary]], providing a reward for ...
From the top, two round petals form a red hood for the flower. Five green [[sepals]] surround the petals, protecting the flower as it develops, a ...