Flower for the Day Showy Milkweed 6-1-22

Three years ago I put in some Showy Milkweed (Asclepius speciosa). The plants grow on sturdy stalks. the leaves are wide, blue-green and hairy, growing opposite each other. The first year their were no blooms. The second year there were a few evanescent clusters of buds which were not at all showy. Asclepius is the only food source for monarch butterflies. That second year there were two monarch butterfly chrysalis's.  I love watching the newly born monarchs dry their wings and then fly away.

This year the plants are maturing beautifully with many clusters. 

And then this week the blossoms began to appear and they were definitely SHOWY.

There were two monarch caterpillars but they disappeared. I'll be looking for more.

                                    Monarch Butterfly

                                      In summer,

           dancing Monarchs mate             joining             great grandparent memories             of nesting         under a brighter sun,         in warmer climes.          Orange brush foot union consummated,        the queen's destiny unfolds        her purpose known, yet unknown,        she searches        for a perfect bed,        only the finest of milkweed leaves        for her precious pearls.        Carefully she lays        her eggs here and there,        resting under many a milkweed leaf.        Wait,wait, and then they hatch         baby caterpillars,        larvae programmed         to mature, molt, and        sport yellow black stripes,        they are vegans         born to nibble        on their cradle,         never to stray,         sworn to monophagy,        forever loyal,         progeny of Monarchs.         And then,       the feast is over       it's time to weave       a silky chrysalis,       a place for        metamorphosis.         A mysterious transformation.         A butterfly awakes,         Hangs out to dry,         Stretches fresh wings,         And flies away. 

                 Janice - Ontheland -2015