Pollen makes some people sneeze, but it is very important. Almost 80% of plants in the world require pollen. Believe it or not, one of every three bites of food we eat comes from a plant that has been pollinated by moving pollen from one flower to another starting a fruit or seed to form. Pollen also supports the flowering of 90% of plants! A fine powdery substance, typically yellow, pollen consists of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower (the stamen) or a male cone. Each pollen grain contains a male gamete that can fertilize the female ovule, to which the wind, insects, birds, bees, butterflies, and bats assist in transporting pollen.
Activity 1 – Pollen and our food chain
As part of the food chain, birds and other small mammals are dependent on fruits and seeds to survive. These plants produce heavier, stickier pollen designed to cling to bees, butterflies, birds, and animals. Pollinators spread the powder to other plants, flowers, and seeds.
Activity 2 – Pollination:Spring, Summer, and Fall
Early spring bloomers such as Serviceberry bushes, Maple trees, and Willows are pollenators. As spring turns into summer, perennials such as coneflowers(echinacea), milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and bee balm produce pollens. Fall blooms that share pollens include goldenrod and asters. Herbs like Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme also share pollen with other pollinators, fertilizing other plants.
Activity 3 – Yellow Powder
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.
Review
- What percentage of flowering plants do pollens assist?
- What percentage of our vegetables and fruits does pollen facilitate?
- Which type of pollen causes people to sneeze?
- What seasons share pollens?


















































