It’s Boneset Time in Virginia

At mid-July, much of my garden is going to seed already — particularly the Daisy Fleabane is mostly brown now.  The goldfinches are still all over it and for all I know the fleabane may be an important source of seed for them so I intend to leave it there.

On the other hand, the boneset is coming into bloom at this time.  I have it throughout my garden where it has self-seeded.

Boneset Coming into Bloom Mid-July

Boneset Coming into Bloom Mid-July

Yesterday I was very pleased to see a couple of butterflies flying through the garden and landing on the boneset.  I THINK they were Spicebush Swallowtails.  I’ve seen almost no butterflies at all this year so their appearance is very appreciated.  I knew they had to be around because I have Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars on my spicebushes but had not seen any adults yet.

Spicebush Swallowtail on Bonset

Spicebush Swallowtail on Boneset

2 thoughts on “It’s Boneset Time in Virginia

    • As of a few days ago the Spicebush caterpillars were doing fine. Now that I know that I have House Wren babies, I’m a little afraid of the HW’s getting the caterpillars! Apparently they know that someone is inside those leaf rolls. SIGH. I want EVERYBODY to live!

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