Wildflower of the Month/July

Butterfly Weed is finally blooming ! This species; along with other members of the Milkweed Family Asclepiadaceae are major butterfly attractions; throughout the Summer months.

Butterfly Weed or Pleurisy-Root (Asclepias tuberosa) is the most showy species of the family. The flowers range from dark orange to yellow. This beauty can be seen in dry fields and along roadsides throughout the region. It is hard to miss.

Butterfly Weed and the other milkweeds are an important host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and a nectar source for many other butterflies, bees, bugs and other assorted critters. This standout of the fields cannot be overlooked; I just hope some butterflies show up this year to make use of this pretty plant.

Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist's Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia (Southern Gateways Guides)

Photos by High Virginia Images                         Posted by High Virginia Outdoors