We started a Year Long Milkweed study back in the spring while on our trip to Yosemite.
Original Challenge: Year Long Milkweed Study plus free printable notebook page
Our Spring Entry: Milkweed Nature Study
We returned to our milkweed observation spot at Yosemite Valley….and it was full of maturing milkweed! I have included lots of photos below so enjoy our summertime observations, complete with Monarch butterflies!
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Depending on where the milkweed was, it would have blossoms or pods and blossoms. Above you can see the growing seed pods with a few old flower blossoms.
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Here is some Showy Milkweed in blossom. I can even see some buds still waiting to bloom near the top.
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We saw many Monarchs over the few days we were there but this one was willing to pose for us right on the milkweed. What fun to watch these beautiful insects doing there thing!
This plant had the leaf broken off and you can see the milky sap dripping down the plant. You can also see if you look closely a Cobalt Milkweed Beetle, a shiny blue metallic insect that is common on the milkweed.
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We found this sign out in the meadow where our milkweed is growing which shows the complete life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. What a great sign…hope more people stop and read it and learn how fascinating the life of a Monarch is and what part the milkweed plays even there at Yosemite Valley.
We will be updating our study in the autumn and of course I will share.
Do you know, until you posted pictures of milkweed in summer – I had no idea what it looked like! I don’t even know if it grows here in the UK but I am certainly going to keep my eyes peeled on our walks :o)
We don’t have it in our neighborhood either…I think that is why it is so special when we do find it during our travels. 🙂
I planted milkweed several years ago along the fence in the backyard and this year is the first time ever the plants produced any pods. I discovered them yesterday! They’ve always produced beautiful and very fragrant flowers (reminds me of lilacs) but up until now no pods. So this is pretty exciting!
I planted milkweed several years ago along the fence in the backyard and this year is the first time ever the plants produced any pods. I discovered them yesterday! They’ve always produced beautiful and very fragrant flowers (reminds me of lilacs) but up until now no pods. So this is pretty exciting!
I planted milkweed again this year and someone dumped the pot off the deck and it all spilled out…maybe I will try again next year.
I love to read blogposts like this, they’re so informative! Tnx!