This is blooming all along our roads right now.  Not in Five Forks, but in Murphy, in Blairsville, and on the roads in between.  

 

It is Asclepias tuberosa, or Butterfly weed.  It is a member of the Milkweed family, and its brilliant orange flower clusters attract Monarch butterflies.  They use it for a host plant for their caterpillars.  The butterfly lays her eggs on the underside of the leaves, and when the caterpillars hatch, they feed on the leaves.  Monarchs love all kinds of milkweed.  

 

I have some growing in my wild garden, but for some unknown reason it didn't bloom this year.  

 

Oh well, I get to see it when we go for a drive.  I love its bright color.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!