How to Pollinate Prairie fleabane

(Erigeron strigosus)

Prairie fleabane, also known as Daisy fleabane, Common eastern fleabane

Prairie fleabane attracts a buzzing brigade of bees with its vibrant appeal, their primary pollinators. This fascinating spectacle typically takes place during daylight hours, with the plant cleverly leveraging the bee's foraging routine. As these diligent visitors forage, they inadvertently facilitate a transfer of pollen, propelling the survival and growth of prairie fleabane. A graceful, rhythmic climax in nature's circular dance!

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Prairie Fleabane?

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Prairie Fleabane?

The prairie fleabane produces small, daisy-like flowers consisting of a yellow center surrounded by multiple delicate white or pale pink petals. These flowers have both male (stamen) and female (pistil) reproductive parts, crucial for the pollination process.

Prairie fleabane mainly relies on cross-pollination, where pollen is transferred from the flower's stamen to the pistil of the same or different flower, facilitating fertilization.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Prairie Fleabane?

Plant Diversity

Plant a variety of flowering plants, particularly those that bloom at different times of the year, to provide pollinators like bees, beetles, and butterflies with a continuous food source. This variety will also cater to the preferences of different pollinators, attracting more of them to the garden or farm.

Pesticide Management

To create a safe environment for pollinators, avoid using pesticides particularly during the flowering season. If pest control is necessary, consider using organic or chemical-free methods, or opt for targeted treatments that won't harm beneficial insects.

Provide Water Sources

Both bees and butterflies require fresh water for survival. Setting up birdbaths or shallow dishes filled with water and rocks can attract these pollinators. Just remember to change the water regularly to prevent the growth of mosquito larvae.

Habitat Creation

Beetles, bees, and butterflies need places to rest, nest, and overwinter. Leaving a section of the garden untidy with twigs, leaves, or fallen logs, and perhaps incorporating some bee houses, can provide desirable habitats for these pollinators.

How Can You Determine if Prairie Fleabane has Been Pollinated?

Visible Pollen Transfer

In prairie fleabane, successful pollination often begins with the visible transfer of pollen from anthers to stigmas after insect visitation. If pollen grains are observable on the stigma, it can signify that pollination has occurred.

Blossom Retention

In prairie fleabane, flowers that have been pollinated successfully tend to retain their blossoms for a longer period than those that aren't. Therefore, lasting blooms can signal successful pollination.

Seed Formation

Successful pollination in prairie fleabane often leads to seed development. After pollination, the petals of the plant will dry out and drop off, revealing maturing seed heads underneath, indicative of successful pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Prairie Fleabane

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 - 60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Prairie Fleabane?

Small brush

A soft and small brush is utilized to gather pollen from the male flower's anthers and transfer it to the stigma of the female flower.

Magnifying glass

A magnifying glass can be handy for seeing the tiny male and female parts of prairie fleabane flowers more clearly.

Gloves

Disposable gloves can prevent the pollen from sticking to your hand and keep the process hygienic.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Prairie Fleabane?

The ideal time window for hand-pollinating prairie fleabane is during the morning hours, when the flowers are fully open. Additionally, it's best to perform this around the time the plant has fully bloomed in its growth cycle, typically in late spring or early summer.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Prairie Fleabane

Step1: Gathering Pollen

Begin by wearing your gloves to keep the process clean. Then, locate the anthers on the male flower which carry the pollen. Using the small brush, gently stroke the anthers to collect the pollen onto the brush bristles.

Step2: Transferring Pollen

Next, find a female flower. You will notice the stigma in the center. It's usually stickier and larger than the anthers on the male flower. Gently touch the brush bristles loaded with pollen to the stigma, making sure some pollen gets transferred.

Step3: Repetition

Repeat this process for each female flower on the prairie fleabane plant. This improves the chances of successful fertilization and seed production.

Step4: Monitoring

Monitor the flowers after pollination. If successful, the flowers will continue to mature and seed heads will start to form after a few weeks.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Prairie Fleabane Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Insufficient Pollinators

If prairie fleabane is failing to show signs of pollination, lack of pollinators could be the issue. Attracting more pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects can enhance the pollination process.

Inappropriate Weather

Weather conditions can impact pollination in prairie fleabane. Too much rain can wash away pollen, while high temperatures can affect pollen viability. Consider providing protective coverings during harsh weather.

Inadequate Sunlight

Prairie fleabane needs adequate sunlight for successful pollination. If plants are shaded, relocate them to a sunny location or consider the use of artificial grow lights to promote pollination.