Butterfly weed

Showy milkweed - Asclepias speciosa (Photo by Larry Halverson)

This pretty milkweed is not listed in BC but is considered invasive. Unlike other milkweeds, it can found in wetlands. This one was photographed blooming on August 9 by the wetlands near Athalmer.

Showy milkweed is toxic. It possesses moderate concentrations of cardenolides, and can poison or even kill grazing animals. However this weed has saved the lives of many monarch butterflies. Monarchs feed on the milkweed and toxins they ingest gives the butterfly its defence. Most predators have learned that the monarch butterfly makes a poisonous snack. So the plant is also called the butterfly weed.