For this weeks edition of Today's Flowers I have some pictures of monarch butterflies on what I believe is purple loosestrife.
Although the flowers are pretty, purple loosestrife is an aggressive non-native weed here in Minnesota. Since a single plant can produce over a million seeds, it tends to quickly over take the native flora.
Unfortunately monarchs are not all that picky and will often feed on a variety of different flowers. This helps pollinate beneficial native plants but also helps insurgant plants like the purple loosestrife to spread.
These pictures were taken at Purgatory Creek back in August of 2008.
Although the flowers are pretty, purple loosestrife is an aggressive non-native weed here in Minnesota. Since a single plant can produce over a million seeds, it tends to quickly over take the native flora.
Unfortunately monarchs are not all that picky and will often feed on a variety of different flowers. This helps pollinate beneficial native plants but also helps insurgant plants like the purple loosestrife to spread.
These pictures were taken at Purgatory Creek back in August of 2008.
9 comments:
I believe your butterfly photos are always the best on the blogosphere!
That certainly looks like purple loosestrife. We have it here in Ontario, too. I do my part inpreventing it spreading - it makes a lovely cut flower, lasting a fair amount of time in the vase. I usually pair it with Queen Anne's lace, which has to be freshened up sooner, and sheds a lot of tiny petals.
But your butterflies are wonderful, as ever!
Love these captures. Just gorgous. Smiles B
Love them both and the combination.
Flowers & Butterflies - Flutterbies!
Oh, I see you have purple loosestrife in your area too. The monarch seems to be enjoying it. ;-)
My Today’s Flower’s post is at
More of Me - EG
Your photos are beautiful and so clear. Can't wait to see some butterflies.
Beautifil flower and butterfly both. greats shots, Helen
Flowers and butterfly!
Wonderful post!
Luiz
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