Kentucky Goldenrod

The trees have yet to change but fall color is not limited to the reds and yellows of falling leaves.  The Goldenrod, Kentucky's state flower, is on full display right now.  Goldenrod was adopted as the state flower in 1926, replacing the trumpet vine.  There is some disagreement on which species is actually the state flower.  The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives names Solidago gigantea as the state flower, but it is speculated that Solidago patula was the intended species when the resolution to adopt the Goldenrod was passed.  The statute that named Goldenrod as the state flower failed to indicate which of the 30 species growing in the state was the actual state flower.

Monarch Butterflies visit Goldenrod in the fall to refuel on their long trip back to Mexico.  Butterflies in the eastern half of the United States migrate to the pine-oak forests of southern Mexico and those west of the Rocky Mountains migrate and overwinter in central and southern Cailfornia.  These beauties won't be around much longer so catch them while they are still around.  Turns out I was a little too quick to ID this butterfly.  It is in fact a Viceroy butterfly, a known mimic of the Monarch.  Thanks to Sam Galick from flickr for the accurate ID.

Posted in: Goldenrod,Viceroy