The Great Migration

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping. Butterflies will soon be a memory for us here in Pennsylvania. For the past couple of weeks we have spotted quite a few Monarch butterflies stopping at our goldenrod and asters to fuel up on nectar before flitting in the direction of the South. It is time for their migration to the mountains of Mexico. I am sad to see them leave, but I realize that they would never survive during our winters. So I marvel at their beauty and the fact that such small, delicate looking creatures can fly all the way to Mexico to their winter quarters. It will be a long time before we'll see the first Monarch of the year here in the North. By that time, they will be several generations removed from their wintering ancestor. They need nectar along their journey, and milkweed plants to use as host plants for their eggs. If you want to ensure their survival, please plant milkweed plants in your yard.

Red Chokeberry

Last year, we added a red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) 'Brilliantissima' cultivar to our front yard because of its beautiful fall color. I had also hoped that the birds would devour the red berries. At least, that was my plan until I learned that its berries have a very astringent taste. To protect it from the rabbits, we put a wire cage around it.
Last week, I spotted two unfamiliar caterpillars on it. The green monster above is the larva of a Polyphemus Moth. I watched it daily as it munched on the leaves of our little chokeberry, wondering whether there would be any leaves left to turn red in the fall. I need not worry anymore. Yesterday, I saw with dismay that another animal - most likely a deer - had eaten almost all ripe berries and for dessert, had chewed off quite a few little twigs.
When left alone, the chokeberry gets to be about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It can take dry to moist soil and sun and partial sun. Spring flowers are white and only last a few days. All in all, the chokeberry is a versatile addition to any native garden, provided that you don't have deer in your neighborhood.