Milkweed pod
The seeds and dried pods of this plant are needed by monarch butterflies. They lay their eggs on this plant - the sole food of monarch caterpillars. The monarch population has declined from between 80 and 90% since 1996, one reason being the herbicide that kills milkweed. In this photo, the seeds are ready to be released to fly away on silky parachutes.
I am linking to I Heart Macro HERE.
So that's what milkweed look like!
ReplyDeleteSplendid capture, EG!
...a lovely observation
ReplyDeleteI happen to think that the Milkweed is a beautiful plant,from flower to fly away seeds,but farmers don't agree with that.Lovely picture.
ReplyDeleteGreat macro! A lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteneat-o!! ( :
ReplyDeletethey're pretty, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great close-up. 80-90%, I had not idea it was that high. My, we're ruining everything!
ReplyDeleteThe perfume from the flowers is intoxicating! I love it.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and such vitally important information.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it sad about the monarch population? I have decided to set aside some land at our farm and grow milkweed. My dream is to become a way station for monarch butterflies. Wish me luck.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty capture!
ReplyDeleteI have read the same thing. Isn't it remarkable that a species will have one, and only one, food source?
ReplyDeleteVisit me later this week to see a monarch and other butterflies.
Wonderful shot of the silky center!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful colors. I'm surprised they're not all the same.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous macro of the milkweed pod!
ReplyDeleteMay the wind carry these seeds to a perfect sunny place where butterflies will alight and enjoy the nectar their fragrant flowers bring forth. Thanks for sharing the love up-close with I Heart Macro:-)
ReplyDeleteCan't we try some natural week killer??? Love the shot and the info. Love the butterfly too. MB
ReplyDeleteThe seeds are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous, gorgeous macro! I like those silken, incredible textures...
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful macro EG but so sad that we may be responsible for the demise of this beautiful creature. We really are our own worst enemy aren't we!
ReplyDeleteThis is a superb image!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great capture. I love when the milkweed are growing around here.
ReplyDeleteGreat macro picture and very interesting informations about the Milkweed pod and the butterflies!!!
ReplyDeletethat is an awesome shot!
ReplyDelete