For the entire month of May the Horse Chestnut tree has been laden with candle-like fragrant flower spikes.
From far away the appear creamy white in colour.
Yet, up close these showy panicles display flushes of pink and yellow in candy tones.
Not only are they attractive to look at but they are also a rich source of nectar and so are important for bees and other nectar-loving insects.
These visits help with pollination. Amazingly, after pollination has occurred, the yellow blotches turn to pink to signal to bees that their job has been done!
The interesting result of this pollination will appear in the weeks to come!
We had one of these trees in my yard as a child. It was huge and I loved it. I don't see them anymore where I live. Nice reminder. Thanks
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