The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden Directory

Wingstem, a member of the Aster family, is a particular favorite of native bees and honey bees–and beekeepers, at least, have known this for a long time! Numerous beekeeping journals from the late 1800s–early 1900s describe the cultivation of wingstem en masse, and its seeds were marketed as ‘golden honey plant’. Blooming in the heat of summer and throughout the fall, this tall native features domed clusters of perky yellow flowerheads whose spiny florets are often compared to pin cushions.

Wingstem’s common name derives from the small winged fruits or ‘achenes’ that form when bloom time is finished.  At the SBG, you’ll find it (appropriately) in our Native Bee Conservation area.