How to Pollinate Common motherwort

(Leonurus cardiaca)

Common motherwort, also known as Lion's ear

Common motherwort thrives through entomophilous or insect-mediated pollination, chiefly carried out by bees. Its attractants include vivid colors and aromatic nectar, which beautifully lure in these vital pollinators. A unique pollination mechanism involves bees brushing against the plant's anthers while collecting nectar, resulting in effective pollen transfer. Typically, the peak pollination timing aligns with the high activity period for bees.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Common Motherwort?

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Common Motherwort?

Common motherwort produces cluster-type flowers that are small, pink or lilac in color with typical characteristics of labiate or 'lipped' flowers. These flowers have a two-lip structure which is adapted to insect visitation, aiding in efficient pollination.

Pollination in common motherwort primarily occurs through entomophily, where insects act as vectors, and possibly geitonogamy, a form of self-pollination.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Common Motherwort?

Plant Diversity

Growing a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times can help ensure a steady supply of food (nectar and pollen) for bees, beetles, and butterflies.

Pollinator Habitats

Provide habitats for these pollinators by including features like dead wood for beetles, bee hotels for bees, and larval host plants or mud puddles for butterflies.

Pesticides

Reducing the use of pesticides is crucial as they can kill or harm beneficial insects like bees, beetles, and butterflies. Instead, consider using organic or integrated pest management strategies.

Water Source

Add a water source such as a bird bath or a shallow dish filled with rocks and water. Bees and butterflies both require water and will be attracted to areas where water is available.

How Can You Determine if Common Motherwort has Been Pollinated?

Pollen Dispersal

For common motherwort, look out for pollen being dispersed from the plant's white to pinkish flowers. This signifies that the pollination process is underway.

Flower Appearance

Blossoming flowers in common motherwort are a sign of a successful pollination process. The flowers are usually pale pink to white in color.

Bee Activity

Bees are common pollinators for common motherwort. Frequent sighting of bees around the plant can indicate active pollination.

Seed Production

Following successful pollination, common motherwort will start to produce seeds. Bounteous seed production is a clear sign of successful pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Common Motherwort

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15 - 30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Common Motherwort?

Soft-brush

A small, fine-tipped paintbrush to transfer pollen.

Magnifying glass

Helpful to identify the reproductive parts of the flower.

Gloves

To protect your hands and prevent contamination.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Common Motherwort?

The best time for hand-pollination of common motherwort is in early morning when the flowers have just opened. This should be done when the plant starts blooming, which usually occurs in early to mid-summer.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Common Motherwort

Step1: Preparation

Put on your gloves. Use your magnifying glass to identify the reproductive parts of the flower. The stamens (male part) are the long, thin structures with a pollen-covered tip (anther). The pistil (female part) is in the center of the flower, often with a sticky tip (stigma).

Step2: Gathering Pollen

Use your soft brush to gently collect pollen from the anther of the stamen. Ensure the brush is coated with enough pollen.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Carefully transfer the pollen to the pistil by lightly touching the stigma with the pollen-loaded brush. Be cautious not to damage the flower in the process.

Step4: Repeat

Repeat this process for every flower on the common motherwort plant. This method increases the chances of successful pollination.

Step5: Cleaning

Clean the brush carefully after pollinating each plant to prevent cross contamination if you are dealing with multiple common motherwort plants.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Common Motherwort Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Limited Pollinators

If less bees are seen around common motherwort, consider attracting them with other flowering plants or use a bee house to facilitate pollination.

Poor Flowering

If common motherwort is not flowering well, check its lighting and watering conditions. Common motherwort prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Low Seed Production

In case of low seed production, hand pollination could be a solution. Gently brushing the flowers with a soft paintbrush can transfer pollen.

Pollen Sterility

Climate conditions can affect pollen viability. If common motherwort struggles to pollinate, consider protecting the plant from extreme temperatures.