Cleome serrulata

A 3-5 ft. annual with pale pinkish to purple flowers at the tops of the stems. The flowers have long, protruding stamens, giving them a "spidery" appearance. The black dye made from this plant is used for the designs on SW pottery. The boiled down Beeplant is used as a binder to hold the paint on pots. Attracts bees and hummingbirds. Blooms in summer. Sow in fall or soak seed 6-8 hours in hot water and sow in spring. Seed needs light to germinate. Cover very lightly or not at all. Zones 3-7.