Tag: Fourleaf Milkweed

Another Milkweed

This is Fourleaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia). The flowers can be white, or a subtle shade of pink or lavender.

Monarch butterflies have a single host plant for the survival of their larvae —Milkweed. There are several dozen native species of Milkweed in North American. This Fourleaf Milkweed is native to the eastern US and Canada, where it is often found in dry, rocky, open woodland. Much like the conditions here on my mountain.

Fourleaf Milkweed is a perennial herb which grows to about 20 inches tall. Aside from the Monarch butterflies, its flowers are a source of nectar for bees, other butterflies, and many other insects.

So many plants to discover and enjoy as I hike.

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Swallowtail On Milkweed

A few days ago I published a post titled, A Milkweed Plant, about the Fourleaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia). And now I’ve come upon a couple butterflies enjoying the blooms of this same Fourleaf Milkweed.

These two butterflies are Zebra Swallowtails (Eurytides marcellus). Their host plant is the Pawpaw Tree. Adults feed on the nectar of Redbud, Verbena and, of course, Milkweed.

I love the coloring of the Zebra Swallowtails. Lots of black and white with tiny, beautiful accents of red and blue.

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A Milkweed Plant

Blooming now along the trails up here in the woods. Fourleaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia). Host plant to the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).

This Milkweed is native to the eastern United States and Canada. In this picture you can see how it has gotten a couple of its common names. The Fourleaf Milkweed, with its four leaves in a whorl, and also Whorled Milkweed.

There are about 100 species of Milkweed in North America. The name Milkweed comes from the milky latex that is in their pods, leaves, and stems, making them unappetizing to animals that might otherwise eat the plant.

I’m captivated by the soft color of the blooms, they’re just thinking about being pink.

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