I always come away learning something from your columns! Was wondering if Swamp Milkweed was the same as the Showy Milkweed I started from seed several years ago (it isn't), but also found out all milkweeds are toxic - a rare, truly deer proof flower!
It's so beautiful and so toxic. I looked it up and was surprised by how dangerous it can be, except for insects that evolved to use it. Your photos are wonderful. It's so nice to see rather than just be told.
Yes, the toxins in milkweed are heart stoppers. Somehow Monarchs have figured out how to eat the leaves anyway. But the flowers of course are not toxic and are quite liberal dispensers of nectar.
Yes. It is such a joy to smell their honey on warm days. To watch them buzz about seeking water and pollen. The attention they warrant hanging haphazardly on flowers in bloom.
It continually interests and amazes me, the brilliance of the perfection in Nature and how these tiny, significant occurrences regularly shape our world. Where would we be without bees and their wings and tiny legs, coming and going, happy and of purpose.🙏💫
Those are sweet words. And yes, there are light and beautiful things in every time, even if it's poignant considering how much is leaning against the natural world right now. I'm grateful to be in the community of those who care.
That's such a nice publication. And free. I signed up for her newsletter. I wish Substack had a clean-and-easy catalog listing of past posts like hers does.
Thanks Susan. Our Internet service was taken out yesterday by the road grader, just moments after the story was posted. It was lucky I'd scheduled it to go automatically at 7:30, because ten minutes later I could not have sent it or accessed anything! I was wondering during the day whether people had even been able to see the post. With service mercifully restored this morning, your comment was the first thing I found. Such a happy landing! And nice return to connected life. (And whew, am I ever dependent on the Internet! Not only for our business — www.birdwatching.com — but also for staying in touch with friends I see only online.
Just planted some of this last year, in a hopefully damp enough place.
Oh, the wonders of nature. Beautiful plant! Thanks for sharing.
I always come away learning something from your columns! Was wondering if Swamp Milkweed was the same as the Showy Milkweed I started from seed several years ago (it isn't), but also found out all milkweeds are toxic - a rare, truly deer proof flower!
Thank you!
Yes, they are different species.
And yes they are somewhat deer resistant.
However, I have had the blooming tops of Swamp Milkweed chopped off overnight, and I'm afraid that deer are the prime suspect.
Also when they are small rabbits eat them.
Milkweed is not their first choice, but it is not immune.
Sorry.
Beautiful!!!! The Giant Swallowtail photo was my favorite butterfly photo ever---it is more than a photo--it seems really on my screen.
Oh, thank you Martha. I'm pleased that it speaks to you. I'm quite in love with Giant Swallowtails, myself.
It's so beautiful and so toxic. I looked it up and was surprised by how dangerous it can be, except for insects that evolved to use it. Your photos are wonderful. It's so nice to see rather than just be told.
Yes, the toxins in milkweed are heart stoppers. Somehow Monarchs have figured out how to eat the leaves anyway. But the flowers of course are not toxic and are quite liberal dispensers of nectar.
Such a gorgeous description. Thank you
I'll never look at our Showy Milkweed in California quite the same!
Yes, Judith, I think all milkweeds do this same trick. It is so very devious and delightful.
What a pleasure to learn something from every one of your posts. I will look at our bees that return to their hive with a new reverence this summer.
Ah, looking at bees with reverence. What a lovely thought. Do you keep bees?
Yes. It is such a joy to smell their honey on warm days. To watch them buzz about seeking water and pollen. The attention they warrant hanging haphazardly on flowers in bloom.
This is fascinating. I didn’t know about the way it makes sure the bees carry the pollen around.
Yes, milkweeds are clever and a little tricky, aren't they? Thanks for commenting.
It continually interests and amazes me, the brilliance of the perfection in Nature and how these tiny, significant occurrences regularly shape our world. Where would we be without bees and their wings and tiny legs, coming and going, happy and of purpose.🙏💫
We would not fare well without insects, and insects would not fare at all without plants, especially flowers. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Diane your posts bring joy and wonder in a dark time. Thank You!!
Those are sweet words. And yes, there are light and beautiful things in every time, even if it's poignant considering how much is leaning against the natural world right now. I'm grateful to be in the community of those who care.
More knowledge with more beautiful photos!
Thank you Patty, and thanks for commenting!
A beautiful science lesson to brighten a February day!
Thank you Larry. I try not to make them too lessony, but sometimes they get away from me.
Not a problem! Natural science is so fascinating! I think you'd enjoy my daughter's blogs for the Cable Wisconsin Natural History Museum. https://cablemuseumnaturalconnections.blogspot.com/
That's such a nice publication. And free. I signed up for her newsletter. I wish Substack had a clean-and-easy catalog listing of past posts like hers does.
IOW, honey traps. 🤔Your photos are amazing, Diane. Such seductive images!
Thanks Susan. Our Internet service was taken out yesterday by the road grader, just moments after the story was posted. It was lucky I'd scheduled it to go automatically at 7:30, because ten minutes later I could not have sent it or accessed anything! I was wondering during the day whether people had even been able to see the post. With service mercifully restored this morning, your comment was the first thing I found. Such a happy landing! And nice return to connected life. (And whew, am I ever dependent on the Internet! Not only for our business — www.birdwatching.com — but also for staying in touch with friends I see only online.
We are too, Diane! Down here in the (fairly) remote Hill Country, it is our link to the rest of the world. So glad you got yours back!
Just gorgeous. Swoon and swoon again. Thank you.
Thank you Mary. That swallowtail is really some butterfly, isn't it?