Andrew Trundlewagon's photos with the keyword: sticky sage

Sticky sage (Salvia glutinosa) is, as its name suggests, covered in sticky hairs. It has a strong aroma, not unpleasant but not sweet either. This is a male flower, and to my mind its white pollen on the anther makes it look like a "toothy" open mouth. When bees land on the platform they activate a lever mechanism that deposits the pollen grains on their backs. It's a beautiful example of floral engineering.

I think this is an invasive species of Salvia, or sage –possibly “sticky sage” or Salvia glutinosa. It was growing wild under pine trees in Park St Bruno, about 15 miles south of Montreal. If it is indeed Salvia glutinosa it is a long way from home, as it is native to West Asia and Central Europe, not Canada.