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gwl-g - Re: [gwl-g] Peonies and ants

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  • From: John MacGregor <jonivy@earthlink.net>
  • To: gardenwriters-on-gardening <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [gwl-g] Peonies and ants
  • Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 19:10:35 -0700

on 4/26/04 5:13 PM, fran gustman at fgustman@juno.com wrote:

> Is it an old wive's tale that the ants help the blossoms to open? I don't
> see how. What are the ants doing on the peonies?

Buds of peonies exude a sweet, viscous sap that attracts ants. At times
this sap even wells up into large, transparent drops that can impede
expansion of the petals. When the ants consume this, it might facilitate
opening of the blossoms.

John MacGregor
South Pasadena, CA 91030
USDA zone 9 Sunset zones 21/23





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