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| Many butterflies visited the new ironweed including this beautiful giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes). |
Why do we love native wildflowers in our yards?
It's the butterflies, the birds, and the bees. As Doug Tallamy says, the plants in our yards need to do more than just be pretty. They should support wildlife and become part of the local ecosystem. And the best way to do this is to have a wide variety of native plants. This is why I was pleased when a giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) volunteered in my yard this year. I didn't notice it until it bloomed in the fall.
