Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria) is an annual or biennial plant that pops up in just a few places here, in one of my gardens, in a corner of the lane, or a spot in the woods, every summer. It is native to Europe and though I am dedicated to native plants, it makes me happy to see this slender plant emerging from the soil to a height of 1 to 2 feet. Each bloom a brilliant medium pink measuring in at 1/3 to 1/2 inch across — so you know that the Crab Spider (Thomisidae) on that bottom petal is a mighty tiny one, just sitting, waiting for its lunch to come by.
Another non-native enjoying the nectar of the Deptford Pink, the Cabbage White (Pieris rapae). A butterfly native to Eurasia and North Africa.
Deptford Pink with Lavender (Lavandula), which is a perennial herb, part of the mint family. That Lavender, another non-native, originally came from the Middle East and India. Arabs domesticated it and brought it to Spain in the 7th century. Then the Spanish brought Lavender to North America. Lavender and Deptford Pink, a lovely combination.
Last but not least, another visitor to the Deptford Pinks in my yard, another butterfly, but this one, a native, the Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe). And like the Cabbage White, it’s dining on nectar.
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