Butterfly Gold

by Elizabeth Winter

Title

Butterfly Gold

Artist

Elizabeth Winter

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

These mid-size shrubs have become a sensation in American gardens, and why not? They're easy to grow, bloom beautifully, and are absolute magnets for butterflies. It's all because of a certain scent this species of shrub emits, and when a flying insect senses it, it's irresistible. Many gardeners report scores of butterflies at one time when the bushes are in full bloom.
They're easy to grow, and form a fountain-like mass of flowers for a long period. Many plant several colors close together and the effect as they grow is of one large bush with flowers in several hues. They're so beautiful, people (especially kids) love Butterfly Bushes as much as the butterflies.

Pollination
When an adult butterfly lands on a flower to suck some delicious nectar through its proboscis, it accidentally gathers pollen on its body as it rubs against the anther. The butterfly rubs some of the pollen on the next flower it moves to and collects some more. Through this process, the butterfly is able to pollinate numerous flowers as it moves along. Pollination allows plants to reproduce by producing seeds. Of course, some seeds are protected inside delicious fruits that we enjoy eating; others are housed in vegetables. Butterflies seem to prefer pink, red and purple flowers. Because a butterfly cannot smell it does not care that the flowers it pollinates are odorless. Its long proboscis allows it to access flowers that a bee could not, and its light weight allows it to land on the most delicate of plants. The larvae of butterflies, also known as caterpillars, are important to farmers and gardeners in helping to control plant growth. Because the butterfly is sensitive to ecological changes, its lifespan helps indicate to scientists the current health of the ecosystem.

Uploaded

August 16th, 2014

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