Sunday, November 8, 2015

Milkweed Explosion

Every year in early November the Milkweed pods explode (or gradually split open), releasing their individual seeds and their little parachutes to be blown across the landscape.  Milkweed is supposedly a perennial, but in my experience it behaves like an annual, and needs bare soil to germinate well.

By now most of the leaves have gone, and the landscape is grey and brown.  So little white parachutes of fluff blowing gently across the meadow really stand out, tiny as they are.

The wind was blowing as I took these, and individual seeds carried by their white bits of fluff were being carried away even as I watched.  I tried capturing one 'on-the-fly', but no luck.

The silken threads are amazingly tiny.  I may gather some pods and scatter the seeds around our own meadow to get more plants next year.  I did see a lot this summer.

It's amazing how the plants pack the seeds into the Milkweed pods too.  They're so closely packed they show no sign of their coming transformation into fluffy parachutes.

Just another sign of the seasons here in the valley.

****

A very moving Remembrance Sunday today, with a focus on the story of John McCrae, the Guelph-born medical doctor who wrote the famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'.   It's the 100th Anniversary of his penning those oft-repeated lines.  Our kids went to John McCrae School, and we lived around the corner from John McCrae House, which is now a museum.

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22 comments:

  1. Milkweeds certainly are beautiful -- their flowers and seeds and the insects they feed.

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  2. You captured them beautifully. Especially the third shot that shows them blowing in the breeze.

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  3. You captured them beautifully. Especially the third shot that shows them blowing in the breeze.

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  4. Nice shots! I haven't seen a milkweed with those seeds, but since it is in the family of hoyas those structures and characteristics almost looks the same.

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  5. Hi Furry!
    I did a post a few years ago....on the history of the humble native Milkweed....very interesting plant!
    I got a few of the exact photos this weekend at the cottage!
    Love the flowers in July...as do the Monarchs and Hummingbirds!
    Have a great week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  6. Nice up-close shots of the milkweed pods!

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  7. Just like silk, they are really beautiful!!

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  8. You took some really fantastic shots of the milkweeds. Well done!!

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  9. This plant fascinates me. It is like a fantasy on the move. Beautiful perspectives.

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  10. Great pictures of a beautiful fall event. I enjoyed looking at these and imagining myself right there with you. :-)

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  11. To all who can, spread milkweed wherever and whenever possible. It is critical for the survival of the Monarch butterfly.

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  12. Lovely photos . Yes save the milkweeds for the Monarchs . They are pretty even this time of year ! Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !

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  13. I love how milkweed explodes! It's truly beautiful when it does!

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  14. Fascinating shots of the last stage of the year for these.

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  15. It is nice to know the milkweed will spread, your images are just lovely. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead!

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  16. Your photos are stunning. I really enjoyed looking at the milkweed up close and personal.

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  17. wonderful to see your photos
    i love the 4th image, most.

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  18. I loved your photos..I have loads of milkweed on this property and they are fascinating especially so at this time of year with the seed pods splitting. It is not just the monarchs who enjoy these plants,other caterpillars as well. Nature is always interesting and thanks for sharing.

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  19. Such a beautiful plant, I love it when the pods open:)

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