Book 4, Question 124 · Video
Why Do Some Flowers Smell Stronger at Night?
Some plants clock their perfume for moths and other night pollinators. Color is harder to see after dark, so scent becomes the billboard. A flower that seems shy at noon can own th
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do some flowers smell stronger at night?
The Big Idea
Some plants clock their perfume for moths and other night pollinators. Color is harder to see after dark, so scent becomes the billboard. A flower that seems shy at noon can own the yard at 9 p.m.
Day Is for Other Pollinators
Step one: day is for other pollinators. In the daytime, bees and butterflies visit flowers that they can see. Then the sun goes down, and those helpers go home.
The Scent Pumps Up
Step two: the scent pumps up. Some flowers open, or release more scent, after dark. Pale petals can also catch moonlight as a backup sign.
A Moth Follows the Smell
Step three: a moth follows the smell. A moth flies along the scent trail and lands on the bloom. Pollen sticks to it and travels to the next flower. The plant's message worked!
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a night bloom! Pale petals can glow a little in moonlight. The scent floats through the dark air. A moth follows the scent to the flower. And moonlight is a soft backup sign!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Do not stick your nose into a flower you cannot name, because some sap can irritate skin. Leave moths on the bloom. They are working. Extra porch light can steal moths from flowers. Watch for bees still napping in blooms.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Smell the same flower twice, with a grown-up. Smell a flower at noon, if a grown-up says it is safe. Then smell the same flower after dark. When was the perfume louder? Who was the plant advertising to?
Outro
Night flowers show us that plants can call out to visitors in the dark. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!