I always love seeing the Milkweed in bloom.  This one is on our loop walk at Meeks Park.  There are several species of Milkweed;  Seek says this one is Asclepias variegata, commonly called Redring or white Milkweed.

 

When the Milkweed blooms, I start looking for Monarch butterflies.  Monarchs use Milkweed as the host plant for their caterpillars.  They lay eggs on the underside of the milkweed leaves, and when the caterpillars emerge they have their favorite food right there for them.  When I see a milkweed, I look for chewage on the leaves, then look underneath the leaves for the caterpillars.  

 

When I was teaching Preschool, I would collect the caterpillars and put them in our 50 gallon aquarium (in the classroom.) Then we all watched as they ate milkweed leaves, and grew until they made their cocoons.  Then we waited and watched some more til they emerged.  Fascinating for kids and adults alike.  Then when they were ready, we took them outside and let them fly away.  It was fun to feel part of the process.  

 

I've seen milkweed like this in my yard here in Five Forks, so look around in your travels, you may find some.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!