Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Aptly Named Butterfly Weed

Right now most of the fields around here are alive with color. Many types of wild flowers are in bloom and various types of butterflies, moths, bees and other insects, as well as hummingbirds are buzzing around from one fragrant bloom to another.
Butterfly weed is one of the wildflowers that is currently in bloom. These bright orange flowers are a native member of the milkweed family, which makes them a host plant for the monarch caterpillar.
However butterfly weed is more then just a magnet for monarchs. Whether it is because of the bright orange color or high nectar production these plants seem to be a prime destination for numerous types of butterflies. I have photographed sulphurs, fritillary, hairstreaks, monarchs and more perched on butterfly weed enjoying a drink.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos! Also love the slideshow on your sidebar. Amazing photos.

ksdoolittle said...

When I lived in TX there was butterfly weed growing everywhere! It is so beautiful. ~karen

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful color and a pretty wildflower. Great photos!

lazyclick said...

Beautiful flowers.

Leora said...

The butterfly "weeds" we see here are purple. I like that bright orange. I haven't seen a lot of butterflies, though.

Jama said...

So pretty!

Anonymous said...

vivid color..orange....like it..nice day
graceolsson.com/blog

JJ said...

Another new flower - I just love Sundays!
Nothing like that in the UK - stunning colour
JJ

Anonymous said...

Butterfly weeds are more pink coloured in our Toronto area.
Great shots!!

lui said...

I love the orange shade and now I'm glad to read that they come in different colors too!

Carol said...

Beautiful...now I have to plant a bunch...

DeniseinVA said...

Great photos, and thanks for identifying one plant that I may have on my TF post today. It looks very similar to this one.
An English Girl Rambles

Al said...

The orange hue is very eye catching, very attractive!