Forsythia4637

Forsythia flowers are more than just yellow. This one has different shades of yellow along with orange and green. The patterns created by the different colors help attract pollinators and guide them to the nectary.

Contemplating the differences between what we see and what pollinators see isn't only a matter of recognizing patterns. Many insects and probably some birds literally see in a different light than we do. Accordingly, flowers that depend on them for pollintation produce parts that are fluorescent in those other wavelengths. If you'd like to see what a difference it makes, we can recommend the website, Flowers in Ultraviolet.

(To purchase this copyright protected photo go to our order form.)