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Cotton
Gossypium hirsutum
In the United States:
Native
· also called upland cotton, cultivated cotton, common cotton
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.
| Nectar | medium |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | July–September |
| Duration | ~3 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |
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