And yes as the master Don put it butterfly weed, also has been called pleurisy root, of the Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family.
Native Americans and pioneers used the roots to treat respiratory problems, which is how the common name "pleurisy root" originated. And no I didn't know that off the top of my head I must give credit to Mr. Mike Haddock who's website Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses is a wonderful field guide for us KS folk.
For the locals info this was taken last Saturday just south of Manhattan on McDowell Rd. heading south from I-70. From the interstate for oh maybe 10 miles is a very nice drive with lots of wildflowers right along the road. This was along a ditch just off the road. I think this shot captures the 3 colors.
I would say the butterfly weed was about 80% in bloom as of last week. Hope more can get out and enjoy this wonderful time and treat of wildflowers in Kansas.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on June 17, 2009 at 2:53 PM
This is a beauty Brad. I love the way you composed this and the one small grouping of yellow blooms really contrasts nicely with the orange blooms. Nice light too, wonderful!
Posted by Larry Daniel on June 17, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Very nicely done Brad. Anything in bloom out there in late October?
That's an interesting shot Brad. Iv'e never seen red and orange in the same plant.
Larry, I think the flowers in late Oct. would be very sparse but there would certainly still be some. I would also highly recommend the website that Brad mentioned as a guide. I'm no flower expert but Mr. Haddock sure is and I look at his site often in the flower blooming months.
As a I recall, butterflies actually lay eggs on the Milkweed and the larvae grow among the roots. It is a symbiotic relationship, as the butterflies do a bit of pollination while they are at it. There may be more advantages for the aesclepius as well.
Remember that Aesclepius was the Greek God of healing.
Great shot with vibrant color. Your composition really leads the eye through the frame. Excellent work!
This is one of my favorite wildflowers because they are so bold and colorful. Unfortunately, looks like I'll miss shooting these guys this year since I'm leaving for Moab tomorrow.
Very nicely done. I really want to see some of these yellow butterfly milkweeds! I'm hoping to head out this way Friday evening. Thanks for the heads up!
Scott, If there aren't enough yellow butterfly weeds there and you want to drive a little further then click here and then click on "map this". At Maxwell there appear to be way more yellow than orange, but I was there last evening and looks like they are just past peak.
Lovely composition, Brad, and what beautiful color. I hope to get up that way before too long. Maybe we could hook up for a shot or two later this month...
Discussion
9 repliesNative Americans and pioneers used the roots to treat respiratory problems, which is how the common name "pleurisy root" originated. And no I didn't know that off the top of my head I must give credit to Mr. Mike Haddock who's website Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses is a wonderful field guide for us KS folk.
For the locals info this was taken last Saturday just south of Manhattan on McDowell Rd. heading south from I-70. From the interstate for oh maybe 10 miles is a very nice drive with lots of wildflowers right along the road. This was along a ditch just off the road. I think this shot captures the 3 colors.
I would say the butterfly weed was about 80% in bloom as of last week. Hope more can get out and enjoy this wonderful time and treat of wildflowers in Kansas.
Larry, I think the flowers in late Oct. would be very sparse but there would certainly still be some. I would also highly recommend the website that Brad mentioned as a guide. I'm no flower expert but Mr. Haddock sure is and I look at his site often in the flower blooming months.
Remember that Aesclepius was the Greek God of healing.
This is one of my favorite wildflowers because they are so bold and colorful. Unfortunately, looks like I'll miss shooting these guys this year since I'm leaving for Moab tomorrow.