Oh, the irony

16 years ago

Sometimes you just don't know if you should laugh out loud or weep like a child.

I previously posted about my butterfly weed. I transplanted some from another garden, which is of course terribly difficult since these things seem to have one single tap root and absolutely hate to be moved.

Out of half a dozen of such sticks, ONE tiny little butterfly weed made it. ONE! It eventually stopped drooping, then put on some green, then actually produced a tiny cluster of flowers and a couple of delicate little new shoots at its base.

I was in heaven!

Then today, while deadheading the daisies, I saw that a big fat Milkweed Moth caterpillar had pretty much chewed up the whole little plant, leaving only a few leaves and one shoot unchewed.

I was so mad I snipped the culprit in half.

Of all my plants, it had to pick the most vulnerable! What do you think? Any hope of survival here?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

prairiemoon2 z6b MA
16 years ago
Hmmmm...I am not sure if there is a difference between the butterfly weed plant that you are talking about or the one I have. I have had both actually, the Asclepias tuberosa which is a short one with orange flowers and the Asclepias incarnata which is the tall one. I had the incarnata in a front bed for about 5 years with a lot of other sun loving perennials and it got too over grown and I decided to do something different with it. We pulled it all out and mulched it over last year and this year planted it with new plants. I haven't stopped pulling out little asclepias seedlings all summer. No sooner do I pull them then they are back. I have no experience moving the tuberosa if that is the one you have. Hope that helps some?
crazykwilter
16 years ago
Butterfly weed, aka milkweed, is food for the caterpillar of the monarch butterfly. They will eat it down to nubs, but it will re-sprout and grow again. I don't bother to cut down the sticks, so the plant puts its energy into growing just leaves and not stems.

The caterpillars started on my butterfly weed late in the season, or so it seemed. I was a bit concerned but came out one day to find it crawling with cats. That's the main reason I grow it!
Related Discussions
Santa Claus is dead...
Q
Comments (23)
"Organic, as we know it today, is focused on what is absent (chemicals, organo-phosphates), rather than what is there (common sense, soil building, using on-site or very local inputs, sustainability). In short, the term 'organic' as it is commonly used is far too limiting a concept, and is being perverted . . ." I agree with you, pnbrown! There is so much more to "organic" that is being lost in today's rush (by some)to jump on the organic bandwagon for the sake of a buck. Sustainability and local, fresh produce with vitamins intact are certainly important to me. And soil building is one key element. Produce is not necessarily organic in the true sense just because it's labeled as such. Crowded feedlots and the absence of hormones do not jive with the term, to my way of thinking, yet there is still an "organic" label on the milk. Humane treatment (of humans and animals) also has something to do with defining it IMO. I have been gardening (very small-scale) for nearly 30 years using no pesticides and little fertilizer other than compost. Still, I would rather buy local produce where I know the food is fresh and from a small, family-owned farm, than to buy some of the organic fare in the local health food venue. I feel that by doing so, I am working on a larger scope, though smaller scale, helping to promote that small farm rather than a conglomerate that calls itself "organic" but may be found lacking if truth be told. With education and thoughtful discussion, perhaps the small farmers can be convinced to stop using pesticides, but this is done by reaching one person at a time. Sometimes it really doesn't take much convincing when presented in a non-threatening, non-judgemental way. And we each can have an impact on our world, on the future, keeping in mind it is the way we present it that often turns the tide. If I buy local produce at a farmer's market, and have personal interaction with the grower, do you think he/she will be more apt to listen to me the next time when I remark that I prefer my veggies without pesticides? Might I have the opportunity to enter a discussion with that grower? My own physician was convinced by several visits and the GENTLE presentation of research, something he could relate to, and a few issues of Organic Gardening Magazine (which, is a whole other discussion that I'll not delve into now). After thoughtful consideration of the facts this doctor, who was VERY into "chemicals" for his garden, started thinking about his own toddler and the impact of pesticides and herbicides on the next generation. Guess what happened? He is now gardening organically! It truly becomes a matter of common sense, don't you think? When presented with the facts, if one has an open mind, what else can one do? Also to note, I rarely venture onto this forum, sometimes read posts, but have found many organic-minded individuals on other forums on GW. Most are "common sense" folks, and will hear you out if treated with the respect we all desire. Just my 2 cents. Sorry if a bit long. . . rosebush
...See More
Oh the irony of it all.
Q
Comments (17)
What a putz. For $5 he can stick it in his ear. (Although I don't understand the numbnuts who don't put such basic info as dimensions in an ad anyway.) pharaoh wrote: "Although I am not religious I do believe in karma especially bad karma. That is why I am hesitant to buy used things such as this trunk that comes with the negativity(and what else) of that nasty man. Who wants to inherit that bad energy!" But by this logic, you would be able to purchase very few new items, either, since each would have picked up the energies of those who had made it (and especially in a factory atmosphere, that's not a happy place) and everyone who had ever handled it, nor lived in any place that you had not built yourself... Almost any object can be "cleansed" or returned to a neutral state, ready for positive energy to come in. Virtually every culture and/or religious tradition has some method by which it's done, either by blessing it (simply drowning any negativity) or actively casting out any negative whatevers. Smudging or censing with incense smoke is a popular method in many cultures, as is asperging or sprinkling with water (which may itself have been blessed in some form). A good cleaning has more effects than just physical removal of dirt, and bringing an object out into the sunlight for airing-out in a breeze does more than just dissipate musty odors. More than one of the houses and apartments I have lived in were very unhappy places when I took possession of them, so it has become habit to cleanse and bless it before I move in. I took a friend to see my last house just after we'd closed on it but before we had started any cleanup (of any type) and she wouldn't go more than one step inside. She did not know, although we did, that the previous family had been very unhappy there - they had been not-very-voluntarily relocated from another state with a very different climate and culture and hated pretty much everything about this new location, and their misery, anger and frustration seemed to have soaked right into the house. (We had noticed the weird vibe on our first visit to the house and asked the realtor what the story was on the family.) She came to our House Swarming and said it was like a completely different house after we had "done our thing". With this house I changed my usual cleansing routine to invite any "happy stuff" to stay and be welcome because I am sure that in this house's 109 years there has been plenty of laughter and love as well as sadness and anger.
...See More
Help - Electric Co wants to take my property for a hi power line
Q
Comments (17)
Thank you - all of you - for commiserating with me. I think I'm still in shock. I know this has happened to so many other homeowners and it does seem like there isn't much you can do. My husband has surprised me with his somewhat resigned attitude to the whole thing. His comment is that we have a 1 in 3 chance of being selected and maybe this time we'll luck out. And he agrees with all of you who have said that we won't win against the power company, especially since the Federal government has mandated an upgraded transmission line to prevent the rolling blackouts that occured in NY and NJ. Marilyn c - we did ask about a continuing lease arrangement. That way as property values increase the payments would also. But they want a one time settlement. Flamingo - We are worried about the effect the electromagnetic field would have. It means my husband can't erect his 40 foot Ham radio tower - it will ruin his signals. But more importantly we asked them what this would do to a pacemaker and defibrulator and would they guarantee in writing that it would not effect it. They told us to check with the manufacturer and the cardiologist. Neither the cardiologist nor the manufacturer are willing to guarentee that a third party's transmission line would not impact the effectiveness of the heart equipment. And I certainly don't blame them. Gayle. I think we will sell. PPL should make a recommendation to the PUC in August and then there will be 1 year of hearings in Harrisburg. Construction starts in 2010 and will be online in 2012. So we can enjoy it for 2 more years at least. Patti, Azzalea, Duck,Sherrmann, Stargazer - well since you've been through it you already know it's probably a losing battle. Socks - We are working on an environmental study. We found out that we don't actually have to have an endangered or threatened species actually on our property. If we can show that the habitat is suitable and if there are populations of these species near - then our property could be considered as supplemental. Many of the other property owners are fighting this too but most of them probably figure there's not much they can do. So we're praying they pick Plan B or C. And if they go ahead and pick Plan A maybe they'll consider moving the transmission lines off our property and erecting them on the undeveloped property behind us. Thanks again everyone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed -(which of course explains my typos!)
...See More
Water Usage in So. Calif. - Oh, The Irony
Q
Comments (13)
Maybe the reservoirs need to be more depleted in case you have another good snow year--we had near full reservoirs this spring, and it resulted in flooding farther down the system. It's a fine line, and the Army Corps of Engineers calls the shots on our many reservoirs around here. They judiciously released water from the reservoirs into the Boise River all spring, rather than having topping dams. The electricity generated by the dams is distributed by a publicly regulated (PUC/Public Utilities Commission) utility that is privately owned (Idaho Power Company). The PUC regulates rate increases by Idaho Power Company, which does make a profit and may sell excess power to other states. States that use hydroelectric power go this route, I think. However, the water we irrigate with and use in the house is city water, comes from wells, and costs a fortune. The reservoir water is mainly for agriculture, industry, and power. Diane
...See More
chris_ont
Original Author
16 years ago
This is Asclepias tuberosa, see below a plant from my garden at the old house. Not exactly invasive in these parts - I hardly ever see it.
It took only one caterpillar (Milkweed Tussock Moth, NOT a monarch) to annihilate this baby plant and so I'm not about to let it have its way with it.

After the rough start it's had, I can't imagine it's going to live through this.

Asclepias tuberosa
todancewithwolves
16 years ago
They are hardy plants. I wouldn't worry. They die back, get eaten and go through the whole cycle again. As long as the roots have taken it should come back next summer.

I have so many varieties of milkweed in my garden I've lost track. They all come back even if they get mowed by DH.

Family Jewels (my favorite and a monarch favorite also)

Silky Gold

Swamp Milkweed (a monarch favorite and would grow great in your area as it loves moisture)
{{gwi:742813}}

Edna
Steveningen
16 years ago
I'll wager that you are growing healthy roots below your chewed upon plant, Chris. If it put up a fight above ground, it's doing even better below decks.

Edna - did you get that Family Jewels milkweed from Annie's? I was really tempted to get one of these. Seeing yours has put it on The List. It's fantastic and quite a conversation piece for the garden. I'll leave the double-entendres for others to contribute.

Steven
PattiOH
16 years ago
Hi Chris,
The second spring after planting my Asclepias tuberosa, I sliced off the top three inches of its not-yet-emerged growth after forgetting where I planted it. I was sure it was a goner, and tearfully planted something in its place. That August, I noticed its beautiful orangey-red blossoms peeking from behind the substituted plant. It also survived being "imperfectly removed" from its home in Ohio last year and is blooming beautifully here in MA at the moment. So I agree with our friends, chances are that your Asclepias tuberosa will be back. :-)

Patti
utdeedee
16 years ago
Chris, I planted a whole pack of butterfly weed seed and I only had 2 plants come up from about 100 seeds. They've been slow to grow but have small blooms on them. It was nice to read all the postings about how hardy they are as I have had lots of catepillars and I hate to lose plants :)
Good luck!
Nancy
16 years ago
I had the same happen a couple of years ago, caterpillars at the 2 plants I had to nubs. Next spring they came back better than before. The plants must be tougher or not as tasty after they get settled in, the caterpillars haven't demolished them like that since.

Oh, the irony

Comments (8)

prairiemoon2 z6b MA

crazykwilter

Related Discussions

chris_ont
Original Author

todancewithwolves

Steveningen

PattiOH

utdeedee

Nancy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Oh, the irony

Comments (8)

prairiemoon2 z6b MA

crazykwilter

Related Discussions

chris_ontOriginal Author

todancewithwolves

Steveningen

PattiOH

utdeedee

Nancy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

chris_ont
Original Author