Bee Plant

Bee Plant is an inconspicuous flowering perennial with triangular green leaves. The large toothed leaves grow in opposite pairs on tall, spindly squared stems. The veined leaves are dark green, tipped with reddish magenta. The round, hollow flower buds are about a centimeter long, with two upper lobes. The small buds are a reddish magenta in color.

Basic Information

• Member of the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae

• Perennial herb

Habitat

• Native to the western United States and British Columbia

• Found in variety of habitats, including coastal slopes, riparian areas, and shaded, moist areas

Ecological Role

• Strong attractant for native bees and honey bees

• Host plant for the butterfly larvae of the variable checkerspot and common buckeye

• Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and a species of small wasp which consumes the nectar

Reproduction

• Blooms in summer

• Pollinated primarily by bees

Alternative Names

• California Bee Plant, California Bee-plant, California Figwort

Historical Uses

• The Kashaya Pomo and Ohlone used poultices of the leaves to treat blisters and boils

• An infusion of the roots was used by the Dieguenos for fevers