Butterfly Milkweed (by Greg W.)

Maybe the brightest of the summer wildflowers around Topeka--I love seeing a field of these joyous blooms, and as the name indicates, the butterflies love them too. The adult butterflies feed on the nectar, and the Monarch butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves and make themselves unappetizing to critters who want them for lunch.

I like that.

Coneflower (by Greg W.)

Another nice flower picture, thanks, Greg! This is what I call a coneflower. Not being a botanist except in the most amateur of ways, I can't say exactly what sort, but it's a wonderful summer sight.

Monarda (by Greg W.)

Monarda, known to me as "bee balm." A mid-to-late summer bloomer in this part of the world. It attracts bees, butterflies, and sometimes even hummingbirds. If I make a wildflower garden, I'll certainly plant some. We need to help out our pollinators!

Cow Slobbers (by Greg W.)

Greg assures me this lovely spiderwort plant is also known as "Cow Slobbers." I'm not even sure I want to know why...

Though not currently in bloom here, it does grow in abundance around Topeka and blooms in the spring and early summer. I have a bit in my yard.

Cow Slobbers.