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Cotton
Cotton botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum
In the United States: Native

Honeybees forage on cotton flowers for abundant nectar, which supports summer honey production in warm climates, and collect pollen from the abundant but sticky grains. Peak bloom aligns with mid-summer in subtropical areas, with flowers opening daily over an extended period. The plant attracts bees to extrafloral nectaries as well, potentially reducing direct flower visits, and requires full sun, heat, and well-drained soil; as a shrubby perennial, it may need pruning in cultivation.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) July–September
Duration~3 months
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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