Multiflora Rose in Bloom

One of the great plants for attracting wildlife in the countryside is multiflora rose. At one of our bee yards that is surrounded by thickets of multiflora rose, we can regularly hear quail make their “bob-white” call. The small flowers of this rose are open and easily accessed by honey bees. As they enter the flower to collect nectar or pollen, they inadvertently carry grains of pollen from the anther to the stigma of flowers, accomplishing pollination. Once the rose flower has been pollinated, its reproductive parts in the center rapidly change color from yellow to brown. Seed is produced to reproduce the plant as well as to feed wildlife.

Of course, the multiflora rose is a member of the rose family which includes many fruiting trees: apples, plums, and pears. The almond tree is a rose, as are vines like raspberry and blackberry. The members of the rose family are considered to be important bee plants, as they produce considerable amounts of nectar and pollen. This photo of a honey bee foraging in multiflora rose was taken by photographer and beekeeper, Brandon Dill. It’s always a pleasure to have Brandon along when working with the bees. On a day threatening spring thunderstorms, we gathered a swarm, checked on some new queens, and got in some photography. You can view more of Brandon’s work at brandondillphotography.com.
--Richard