Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Cleome serrulata Pursh
(Rocky Mountain Bee Plant)

Family: Cleomaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Cleome integrifolium Torrey & Gray
Peritoma serrulatum (Pursh) A.P. de Candolle

Cleome serrulata is a tall herb with large pinkish purple flowers. The stamens are strongly exerted. This pretty species can be found growing in sandy soil in flood plains and arroyos.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Cleome serrulata, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, May 21, 2007



Cleome serrulata, more mature plant in bloom, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Burro Mtns., Thompson Canyon, June 13, 2007



Cleome serrulata, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, July 1, 2009



Cleome serrulata, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Apache Creek, July 4, 2009



Cleome serrulata, closeup of fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Sycamore Canyon near Cliff, June 29, 2010



Cleome serrulata, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Sycamore Canyon near Cliff, June 29, 2010


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