When I noticed this strange flower growing in the greenbelt near my parents house it yelled, all 6 inches of it, Weeeeeeed! An intricately arranged, lovingly designed weed. And loved by aphids. In fact, perhaps a milkweed - Asclepias*. Not one I have ever seen.
I visit that area of pine trees regularly, hoping against hope for a repeat of last year's chicken of the woods, which we found in February. I have not given up.
10.20pm - Update: Asclepias, yes. Weed, no. Then again, how are we defining a weed? To me it's an invasive exotic. Asclepias crispa is not exotic, but South African. Thank you iSpot, once again.
Yes indeed, it is a beautiful thing - I would love to know what it is...
ReplyDeleteMany of the Asclepiads have wonderful flowers so I think you are right there.
Lyn
First thing I thought was "Asclepiad!" But I'm not sure the pollinia are exactly right. Let's figure it out! Was there any milky sap if you broke off a leaf?
ReplyDeleteA weed is only a plant in the wrong place :)
ReplyDelete