All over the common milkweed! The bumbles were slow to arrive, but, once the Asclepias syriaca bloomed they were all over it from early morning to dusk.
It was a delightful sight.
Common milkweed is an interesting looking plant with gorgeous flowers that smell delicious. It typically grows 3-4' tall on stout, upright stems with thick, broad-oblong, reddish-veined, light green leaves (to 8" long), although, in ideal conditions it can grow to be 6 foot tall.
Some times the breeze carries the honey like scent all the way up the driveway.
Trust me on this and plant it were you don't mind it taking off or be prepared to edit them out. I cut them down and don't bother trying to save them, there will always be more!
Yes, it's aggressive, but, "common milkweed is Nature's mega food market for insects. Over 450
insects are known to feed on some portion of the plant. Numerous
insects are attracted to the nectar-laden flowers and it is not at all
uncommon to see flies, beetles, ants, bees, wasps, and butterflies on
the flowers at the same time. Occasionally hummingbirds will try,
unsuccessfully, to extract nectar. Its sap, leaves and flowers also
provide food. In the northeast and midwest, it is among the most
important food plants for monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus). Source
That's some good wildlife value! Besides that, you do need this fragrance in your garden.
xoxogail
That's some good wildlife value! Besides that, you do need this fragrance in your garden.
xoxogail
Gail Eichelberger is a gardener and therapist in Middle Tennessee. She loves wildflowers and native plants and thoroughly enjoys writing about the ones she grows at Clay and Limestone. She reminds all that the words and images are the property of the author and cannot be used without written permission.
