Pollen

In the food chain, birds and other small mammals depend on fruits and seeds to survive. These plants produce heavier, stickier pollen that clings to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, bats, and birds. Pollinators then spread the powder to other plants, flowers, and seeds. All of our fruits and vegetables depend on pollination to grow. Fruits and vegetables are important to people, plants, animals and life on earth!

Early spring bloomers such as Serviceberry bushes, Maple trees, and willows spread pollens. As spring turns into summer, perennials such as coneflowers (Echinacea), milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and bee balm produce pollen. Fall blooms like goldenrod and asters share pollen. Herbs like Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme also share pollen with other pollinators, fertilizing other plants.

Pollen is a fine powdery substance consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower or a male cone. Some flowering plants like hydrangeas, orchids, tulips, and roses produce pollen but keep it enclosed or heavy enough that it rarely becomes airborne, making them safe for sensitive individuals.

• What percentage of flowering plants do pollens assist?
  • 30%
  • 60%
  • 90%
• What percentage of our vegetables and fruits does pollen facilitate?
  • 10%
  • 30%
  • 60%
• Which type of pollen causes people to sneeze?
  • Wind pollinated plants
  • Plants that bear seeds and deliver heavy, sticky pollen.
• What seasons share pollens?
  • winter
  • spring, summer, fall,