Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
Cleome serrulata (syn. Peritoma serrulata)
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a vibrant native wildflower of the American West celebrated for its showy pink-purple blooms and deep cultural roots among Indigenous peoples. It symbolizes community, pollination, and the sacred bond between plants and people.
Cleomaceae (Bee Plant family)
Mid to late summer (July–August)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: camassias and sky flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant holds exceptional cultural significance among many Southwestern and Plains Indigenous Nations. The Tewa people incorporated it as a "fourth sister" alongside the traditional Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) because of its extraordinary ability to attract bees for pollination. The plant was also a prized food source — the Navajo and Pueblo peoples harvested young shoots as a nutritious green vegetable and boiled the plant into a thick black paint used for decorating pottery and baskets. This functional art material, applied in ancient Pueblo designs, has been identified in archaeological sites. Lewis and Clark collected specimens of this plant in 1804, marking it as one of the first native plants documented by the expedition. Its common name honors both the bees it faithfully serves and the rugged mountains of its home.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; tolerates light partial shade
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established; thrives in xeriscape gardens
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained, Light to medium loamy, Alkaline to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds directly in fall or early spring — cold stratification is not required but improves germination
This self-seeding annual will readily naturalize if happy; thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart
Requires full sun and excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils
No fertilization needed — performs well in poor soils similar to its native range
Cut back after blooming to prevent excessive self-seeding if needed
The leaves have a strong scent that deters deer — an advantage in wildlife-heavy gardens
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Pollinator and bee gardens
- Native and wildflower meadows
- Xeriscape and water-wise gardens
- Naturalized borders and prairie restorations
- Butterfly and hummingbird gardens
Traditional Uses
- Widely used by Native American tribes including the Navajo, Zuni, and Tewa: infusions were taken for fevers and stomach disorders; poultices of soaked leaves applied to sore eyes
- A boiled decoction of the whole plant produces a black resin used as traditional pottery paint and textile dye, especially by the Navajo for wool rug dyeing
- Young leaves and shoots were historically eaten as a potherb ("Navajo spinach") — a valuable source of vitamins A and calcium; seeds were ground into meal
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
What does the Rocky Mountain Bee Plant symbolize?
The Rocky Mountain Bee Plant symbolizes community, cultural heritage, and the life-sustaining power of pollinators. Its deep roots in Indigenous traditions across the American West make it a flower of nourishment, connection, and belonging to the land.
Why is it called the "Bee Plant"?
Its name comes from its extraordinary ability to attract bees — flowers are densely covered with visiting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout its long blooming season. Native peoples even cultivated it near crops specifically to bring bees to their fields.
Is Rocky Mountain Bee Plant edible?
Yes — the young leaves and shoots were traditionally eaten as a potherb by many Indigenous peoples, including the Navajo who called it "Navajo spinach." They are a good source of vitamins A and calcium, though the plant has a strong, somewhat unpleasant odor when fresh.
Is Rocky Mountain Bee Plant a perennial?
No, it is a native annual. However, it self-seeds prolifically in suitable conditions, so established colonies can return year after year from seed, giving it an almost perennial presence in a garden.
Is Rocky Mountain Bee Plant the same as spider flower (Cleome)?
They are close relatives in the same family (Cleomaceae), but Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is a native North American wildflower, while the common garden spider flower (Cleome hassleriana) is a South American species. They look similar but differ in flower color and cultural history.
What animals does Rocky Mountain Bee Plant attract?
It is a powerful magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also serves as a larval host plant for the checkered white butterfly (Pontia protodice), and birds including doves and sparrows eat its seeds in fall and winter.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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