Monday, March 16, 2009

Milkweed seeds in the sun

Spring has sprung in Morton Grove, Illinois. Not really, but the temperatures climbed into the 60s today, but I'm certain there are more cold days ahead in the next month or so.

After spring comes summer, and that's when milkweed plants reach their maturity. As you can see in the picture, taken in the Linne Woods Forest Preserve this afternoon, there are a few milkweed seeds that have yet to have been liberated from their pods.

Milkeed is an important food source for many insects, but most famously, for Monarch butterfly larvae. This food source leaves behind an untasty flavor within the adult Monarchs--birds learn to avoid this butterfly.

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