This bee is drinking nectar from a single clover flowerlet. The individual flowerlets make nectar to attract the bee. Bees collect nectar and pollen, which are their sources of food. She will take the pollen in her pollen basket back to her hive. Spreading pollen from the flower of one plant to another plant ensures genetic diversity and keeps the plants strong and healthy.
Violet Family March 18, 2005 This little violet blooms in yards. It is mostly white, but can have blue or purple on the petals. I photographed these at the UT Arboretum. Where seen: Oak Ridge, Norris Dam SP, Warriors' Path SP, widespread
Honeysuckle close-up The white flower is a freshly-bloomed, unpollinated flower, the yellow one bloomed the day before and has already been pollinated. Notice the difference in the pistils and stamens of the two flowers.
