SafePlants

Cleome platycarpa - Golden Bee Plant & Golden Spiderflower

Cleome platycarpa, also known as golden bee plant and golden spiderflower, is a fascinating flowering plant with a variety of interesting characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• Some related plants have strong odors that can attract unwanted attention from insects.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's physical structure (height, spread) is substantial.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cleome platycarpa Torr.
• Common Names: Golden Bee Plant, Golden Spiderflower, Golden Cleome, Golden Spider Flower
• Family: Cleomaceae (formerly Capparaceae, Brassicaceae - Caper Family)
• Rank: Species
• Nomencl. Ref.: U.S. Expl. Exped., Phan. Pacific N. Amer. 235 (t. 2). 1874.
• Synonyms: Peritoma platycarpa (Torr.) H. H. Iltis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States.
• Found from northeastern California to Idaho, including the Modoc Plateau.
• Grows on clay and volcanic soils in sagebrush environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• Shrub-like growth habit.
• Can reach a height and spread of 36 inches to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.80 m).

Other Cleome Species

• Cleome lutea (Yellow spiderflower, Yellow beeplant, Yellow caper, Golden caper)
• Cleome spinosa (Spider flower)
• Cleome hassleriana (Spiderflower)

Lycoris aurea - Golden Spider Lily

Lycoris aurea, also known as the golden spider lily, is a captivating flowering plant with beautiful golden yellow flowers. The genus Lycoris contains about 13-20 species of flowering plants.

Morphological Characteristics

• Flowers are golden yellow with delicate undulating margins and long stamens.
• Bulbs, leaves, and flowers are comparatively larger than other Lycoris species.

Distribution

• Originally from China and Vietnam.

Spider Mums

• Also known as Chrysanthemum flowers.
• Have large blooms that are ideal as a focal or an accent.