Bottle Gentian is a late-season wildflower whose deep blue flowers never fully open, remaining permanently closed. Only bumblebees are strong enough to force their way inside to reach the pollen and nectar. It blooms in September and October in moist prairies and meadows, providing critical late-season resources for foraging bumblebees.
Habitat
Moist prairies, meadows, and woodland edges in eastern and central North America
Diet
Pollen and nectar accessed exclusively by strong bumblebees
How common
Uncommon
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