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August 9, 2005 : Liatris ligulistylis

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Keywords: Asteraceae | Liatris ligulistylis (A. Nels.) K. Schum. | Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area

Liatris ligulistylis

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) were in abundance during my recent visit to Manitoba. While the caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), the butterflies have a more varied palate for sources of nectar. Perhaps most favoured of the many flowers that the butterflies visit are species of Liatris (the “blazing-stars”), such as this meadow blazing-star.

Dr. Tom Barnes of the University of Kentucky writes in an article on attracting butterflies with native plants (of Kentucky!) that Liatris ligulistylis emits a specific odour for attracting monarchs. I wish I would have known that prior to my trip, as I would have patiently waited for a monarch imbibing nectar from one of these flowers for a photograph. Next time.

If you're a gardener, Kim Hawks of Brooklyn Botanic Garden has some good advice on growing Liatris.

Posted by Daniel Mosquin at August 9, 2005 12:47 AM

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Comments

gorgeous 10 out of 10 !

Posted by: victor at August 10, 2005 5:19 AM

ps. this is my color, keep doing... super super..

Posted by: dita at August 11, 2005 10:50 PM

Ahh... Beauty...Rich Beauty

Posted by: Brandi at August 15, 2005 8:43 AM

pretty

Posted by: yo at August 20, 2009 7:20 PM

Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!

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