Swamp Milkweed is an herbaceous, native, water-loving perennial of the Milkweed family. In fact, it is a highly beneficial plant that has belonged to Ontario’s wetlands, shorelines, and wet meadows for thousands of years. Today’s pictures are all from the Pannes at Presqu’ile. The freshwater pannes at Presqu’ile Provincial Park are a globally significant and highly rare coastal ecosystem.
When these blossoms appear, bees need no invitation to sample their ambrosia. Swamp Milkweed blooms with nectar-rich flowers from June until August and can be found in marshes, beside ponds and along creek banks.
Fun Fact: This plant is fancifully known as “Swamp Silkweed” because, for years, Indigenous and First Nations’ peoples have used the fibres from this plant to make sewing threads and fishing lines.
Rosy Crowns
The summer breeze begins to blow,
Where pink umbrellas stand in rows,
A candy-colored, swampy crown,
Far from the busy, concrete town.
A fuzzy bumblebee drops by,
Beneath the wide and sunny sky,
To share a sweet and secret toast
With milkweed, nature’s gentle host.
’Til next time, y’all…
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