Gaillardia pulchella. I don't know the species of this bee. It is smaller than a honeybee, and is a native Arizona species. I took this picture in Oak Creek Canyon, which is just north of Sedona, Arizona. I have seen blanket flowers also in the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. The plant has diuretic properties. The flowers can be dried and used for flower arrangements. Small hairs on the stems can irritate some people's skin. © Pat Goltz Thank you for your comments. I greatly appreciate them!
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