We have so much clover in our grass right now that this challenge was very easy! We also identified a new plant that we thought was a kind of clover, later determining that it was not clover but a kind of verbena. We definitely have white clover in our grass and the bees love it.
We didn’t have to wait long for the bees to show up when we were observing our clover plants.
The other plant that we found growing in our grass is Self-heal. (Thanks Diana for the correct identification on this plant.) The purple flowers are spiraled around the top of the plant. It is growing right alongside the clover and grass.
We tried to observe the nodules on the clover root, but we were not very successful. I think we need to find a place where the ground is softer and we can really dig up the entire plant. Perhaps we can pull out the magnifying glass as well and look closer.
We dug up a self-heal plant as well and compared the roots, stem, and flower to that of the white clover.
The boys started the suggested clover study from page 598 (number 5) in the Handbook of Nature Study and recorded the first day on theirCrop Plants Notebook Page.
“The clover head is made up of many little flowers; each one has a tubular calyx with five delicate points and a little stalk to hold it up into the world. In shape, the corolla is much like that of the sweet pea, and each secretes nectar at its base. The outside blossoms open first; and as soon as they are open, the honey bees, which eagerly visit white clover wherever it is growing, begin at once their work of gathering nectar and carrying pollen…” Handbook of Nature Study, page 597
We have seen other kinds of clover over the last few months and once you can distinguish its appearance, you start to see clover all over the place.
Crop Plants Notebook Pages – Companion to the Crop Plants Challenges
Custom made notebook pages for each crop plant challenge. I have designed simple to use pages that will complement each challenge and will be an easy way to start a nature journal. Each of the eight notebook pages is in full color, but they are just as great in black and white. These notebook pages can be purchased for $2.50. View a sample here: Crop Plants Notebook Pages Sample.
Hi Barb;
Fun study. We have self-heal in our lawn too (along with clover). I never knew what it was called, thanks.
Today as I was sitting near a patch of clover, I saw 6 honey bees buzzing about. I was so excited, as I haven’t seen any in our area for 2 years. Lots of bumblebees, but no honeybees. So glad to see them busy and about.
bless you;
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted
We have lots of red clover around here and, of course, our horses LOVE it! You’re lucky to have self heal in your yard. You can put the aerial parts into a tea for coughs or to aid digestion. You can also use it topically. I miss having it around.
Thank you Barb for giving us a name to the “white flowers” my son was asking me just today what they were called. We have a ton of clover in our yard and the bees love them.