milkweed

Accidental Butterflies

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The butterfly weed, or Asclepias tuberose, in my garden is obviously the result of wish fulfillment, because I never planted it. For years I thought about it, but was always distracted by the horticultural equivalent of brighter, shinier objects. My plant dollars went for all kinds of specimens, but never for butterfly weed. Still, as … Read more

Of Monarchs and Milkweed

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  Monarch butterflies, known to their scientific friends as Danaus plexippus, abound this year—at least in the areas I frequent.  Even though they are considered relatively common, I see them as miraculous.  Backlit by bright midsummer sun, monarchs’ orange, black and white wings glow as they float from flower to flower.  Unlike many other butterfly … Read more