Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) blooms with foot long panicles of tiny purple flowers and can grow to over five feet in height. Originating in central Asia, this species can be found natively in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Tibet and often thrives in rocky, sunny locations.

Russian sage has grey-green foliage with a light lilac scent when bruised. This species tends to flop to one side when it reaches an appreciable height. Plant Russian Sage in clumps so the tall plants can support each other or stake the plant up to give it individual support.

Russian Sage is currently blooming in several pots in the BioWorks Flight Enclosure and tends to attract many nectaring butterflies but especially Zebra Longwings, Great Southern Whites and Monarchs. The flowers of this plant are also attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Russian Sage was first described by Enlglish Botanist George Bentham (1800-1884). The genus is named for the imperial Russian general Vasily Alekseevich Perovsky (1794-1857). The species epithet atriplicifolia comes from the Greek and means “having leaves liek Atriplex”. Atriplex is a genus of plants commonly known as saltbush and orache and many species of this genus have grey-green foliage. In herbalism, Eurasian herbalists have used this herb to help reduce fevers in patients with elevated temperatures.

Imperiled Butterflies: Bartram’s Hairstreak

About 150 butterfly species are found throughout Florida. 15 of those species are found only in extreme southern Florida and the Florida Keys. Continued expansion of urban development and widespread use of pesticides used to control mosquito populations have put many of these species in jeopardy.

This is part three of a seven part series covering Florida’s imperiled butterflies.

Bartram’s Hairstreak

Bartram’s Hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami) is a small butterfly found only in  extreme southern Florida and the Florida Keys. The underside of the wings are pale gray with bold white markings with a largish red patch near the hair-like tails of the hind wings. The upper side of the wings is a deep iridescent gray that can appear a shimmering blue and purple.

First described in 1943, this species was named for early Florida explorer John Bartram. To see some truly gorgeous photographs of this species, check out the Audubon Guides website and Butterflies of America.

This species is now mostly found on Big Pine Key and otherwise only in small, localized colonies. As of 2009 there are estimated to be between 100 and 800 adult Bartram’s Hairstreaks alive in the wild.

Pine Rocklands

This diminutive butterfly is only found in pine rockland ecosystems and hosts only on pineland croton (Croton linearis). The pine rockland is a particularly rare ecosystem in which South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) dominates the canopy while palms and other hardwoods form a sub-canopy. These small forests occur in Big Cypress National Preserve, the lower Florida Keys, and along the Miami Rock Ridge where limestone outcroppings provide a relatively high elevation.

High points in the landscape like pine rocklands were often developed early and then logged intensively before the 1960’s. Maintained by regular wildfires, these areas have a broad range of plant and animal diversity that occur no where else. Pine rocklands are fragile ecosystems susceptible to changes brought on by development and climate change.

Learn more about Florida’s pine rocklands at the Institute for Regional Conservation.

Moon Garden Replanted

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In May of 2009 we installed a Moon Garden beneath the branches of our Moon Sycamore in the Richard T. Bowers Historic Tree Grove at MOSI.

For this garden we are currently using: African Iris (Dietes vegeta) for its lovely white iris blooms. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) for its beautiful blue blooms. White Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) for its white flowers that are reminiscent of tiny snapdragons. Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) for its dusty silver white leaves. Helichrysium (Helichrysium sp) of several species of grey foliage helichrysiums add some stark grey-white foliage to the garden. Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomerata) adds a low growing border with pale blue flowers. Leafy caladium in several varieties provide some large white and green leaves to the garden and Dwarf white Mexican petunias (Ruellia brittoniana) that will stay low to the ground and not spread out of control.

The Moon Garden is right outside the side doors of the MOSI Grand lobby.

Agastache

Giant Mexican Hyssop

(Agastache mexicana) is a much hybridized species that originates in central Mexico. This heavy blooming species of agastache is attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Hearty in zones 7-11, this plant is available in color varieties ranging from pin to red to white. When crushed or bruised, leaves of this plant give off a lemony aroma.

Currently we have the variety “Acapulco” potted in the BioWorks Flight Enclosure. We knew this nectar source was a winner when we wheeled it through the door and the butterflies descended upon it before we could even unload the wheelbarrow.

Anise Hyssop

(Agastache foeniculum) is a purple blooming form of agastache. This member of the mint family is native to the northern portions of North America but it still seems to thrive in West Central Florida gardens. When crushed, the leaves of anise hyssop have a fragrant licorice or anise aroma.

The tiny clusters of purple flowers are deliciously attractive to smaller species of butterflies like the the Fulvous Hairstreak (Electrostrymon angelia) pictured below. These diminutive flowers are also pollinated by a number of species of bee and you can find some neat species making visits like the Green Metallic Bee. When creating a butterfly garden, try using a wide variety of nectar plant species in a variety of colors and heights. Br providing a variety of nectar plants you often will attract a greater variety of butterfly species.

Anise hyssop is a perennial plant that can handle full sun and has minimal watering needs. These plants can grow 3 to 5 feet in height and seem to do best when the deadheads are removed after they finish blooming.

You can see anise hyssop blooming in the BioWorks Flight Enclosure and also mixed in with the nectar heavy annuals and perennials in front of the butterfly garden.

Imperiled Butterflies: Atala

About 150 butterfly species are found throughout Florida. 15 of those species are found only in extreme southern Florida and the Florida Keys. Continued expansion of urban development and widespread use of pesticides used to control mosquito populations have put many of these species in jeopardy.

This is part two of a seven part series covering Florida’s imperiled butterflies.

Atala Butterfly

The tiny Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala) has rich black wings with iridescent green shimmering spots. The bright red Atala caterpuillar hosts on new-growth leaves of Coontie (Zamia floridana). Atala butterflies are able to consume the toxic cycasin resident in Coontie and because of this are distasteful to birds. The bright orange bodies of these butterflies are thought to be an aposematic warning sign.

In the last 200 years of Florida’s history, Coontie has been harvested in increasing amounts so that its starchy root could be used for human foods. Habitats for Coontie came increasingly under fire as populations in Florida swelled during the 20th century. Between starch production and increased building, numbers of Florida Coontie continued to decline. The tiny Atala butterfly followed suit.

As the host plant became harder for the butterfly to find, populations of the Atala butterfly continued to plummet. Attempts at breeding and release programs were hampered by frequent and devastating hurricanes until the butterfly was thought to be extinct in the United States in 1965.

In 1979 a small colony of Atala butterflies was discovered in Virginia Key. Since then Coontie has regained popularity as a landscaping plant and the tiny original population has begun to spread back into areas formerly inhabited by the Atala. The rebound of this species should continue as the plant is replaced back into the landscape. The story of the Atala butterfly and Coontie reminds us that life in our environment is connected in a vast web of relationships and that the removal of any thread in that web may have wide and far-reaching consequences for our precious world.

To see some fantastic photos of Atalas in all stages of development check out this link to a selection of photos by a Alata butterfly enthusiast.

The Atala butterfly was first described by Cuban zoologist Felipe Poey. The butterfly is named for the heroine of an 1801 novella, Atala ou les amours de deux sauvages dans le désert, written by François-René de Chateaubriand, the “Father of French Romanticism”.

A Garden for the Birds

May is Garden for Wildlife month. Although we garden for butterflies everyday, this year we decided to expand our horizons a little bit and establish a garden just for birds. We have a feeder in garden that supplies black sunflower seed to cardinals, woodpeckers, titmice, mourning doves, and more, so we chose an area nearby and started a garden with our feathered friends in mind.

There are a few important components to any wildlife garden, including food and water sources, along with shelter and breeding sites. Our bird garden is in the early stages, but we have lots of great things planned in the future.

Water Sources: The garden is located near both the small pond and the BioWorks tanks out front, providing ready sources of water, although we would like to add a bird bath.

Food Sources: Right now, we've planted sunflowers and millet, a grass that will produce seed heads in the fall that many birds love, including the elusive painted bunting. We plan to add more sunflowers, muhly grass and love grass (both great seed producers), as well as some berry-producing shrubs - blueberry perhaps? - for berry-lovers like mockingbirds.

Shelter and Breeding Sites: Our bird garden is surrounded by fairly thick hedges on several sides, which can definitely provide shelter. Nearby are some tall trees, also good for sheltering and nesting. In the future, we may add a nesting box or two as well.

For more information and resources for creating a bird garden of your own, click here to read Jill's post over at the Birds & Blooms Blog, "Plant a Southeastern Bird Garden".

Our New Salvia Bed

MOSI BioWorks was recently fortunate enough to have the fantastic help of a group of volunteers from Verizon. During two Saturday mornings, more than 15 volunteers gave their time and energy to clear several large sections of overgrown garden behind the Flight Enclosure. They removed large patches of invasive Mexican petunia along with plenty of other weeds, tilled the soil, and mixed in compost to prepare for planting.

With all the hard work done for us, planting our new salvia bed was a breeze in comparison. Nearly all kinds of salvia (commonly called sage) are fantastic nectar plants for butterflies, so we have filled this area of the garden with some of our favorite kinds including:

• Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea) in red and pink ('Coral Nymph')
• Black and Blue Sage (Salvia guaranitica)
• Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea)
• Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha) 
• Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
• Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) - not technically a salvia, but in the same family

As we come across new species, we look forward to adding them to our new bed, where butterflies are practically guaranteed all day long!

Imperiled Butterflies: Miami Blue

About 150 butterfly species are found throughout Florida. 15 of those species are found only in extreme southern Florida and the Florida Keys. Continued expansion of urban development and widespread use of pesticides used to control mosquito populations have put many of these species in jeopardy.

This is part one of a seven part series covering Florida’s imperiled butterflies. Look for these posts on Fridays for the next six weeks.

Miami Blue

The Miami Blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) is a tiny butterfly native to  coastal southern Florida and was once very common within its range. This species is very short lived and may only range some 30 feet from the spot where its egg was laid. Bright shimmering blue upper wings marks males of the species and the underside of the wings are patterned with white and gray with circular black spots.

Habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban development and the reduction of larval hosts like  Balloonvine (Cardiospermum corindum) reduced the populations of this species and by 1990 no Miami Blue butterflies were believed to remain in peninsular Florida or the barrier islands.

Increasingly rare even in the Keys, the population was thought to be entirely destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. In 1999 a small colony of Miami Blue butterflies was found in Bahia Honda State Park and it seemed that perhaps only 50 of these butterflies still existed in the wild.

The University of Florida in conjunction with other agencies began a captive breeding program. Miami Blue butterflies were released back into the wild and small but steady populations could be found on Bahia Honda and in several locations in the Florida Keys. Recent years have seen these populations again reduced and this butterfly species is in danger of extinction.

The North American Butterfly Association has a fund where people can donate to support programs like captive breeding and habitat conservation for the Miami Blue butterfly. You can learn more about this species at the Butterfly Conservation Initiative website Miami Blue butterfly page.

Gray Hairstreak

The tiny Gray Hairsteak (Strymon melinus) butterfly is a wonderfully common butterfly throughout North America but due to its diminutive size it often goes entirely unnoticed. You can often find these tiny gray butterflies basking in the sun.

The top side of this butterfly is a rich blue gray and the hind wings have narrow tails just below a pair of red eyespots. When at rest this butterfly is generally found with its wings folded. The hind wings with their tiny swallowtails are continuously rubbed together so that the tails take on the appearance of moving antenna as distract predators. When a predator strikes at these unnecessary parts of the wing, this small butterfly can escape almost entirely intact.

The underside of the wings are pale gray with white and grey broken lines and red eyespots. The fall and winter forms of this butterfly often have a much darker gray coloring to the underside of their wings.

As caterpillars this species has a variety of hosts to choose from including the pea (Fabaceae) and mallow (Malvaceae) families and can be found eating beans (Phaseolus), clovers (Trifolium), cotton (Gossypium), and mallow (Malva). Young caterpillars can often be found feeding on the fruits and flowers of their host plants and may be attended by ants, which receive a sugary solution from a nectary organ on the caterpillar. Adult butterflies feed on small wildflowers, many of which may be considered common lawn weeds. These butterfly are very commonly found in open, weedy areas.

White Veined Dutchman’s Pipevine

A new addition to the gardens, White Veined Dutchman’s Pipevine  (Aristolochia fimbriata) is native to Argentina and Brazil. This particular species can host Polydamas Swallowtails and also the beautiful iridescent Pipevine Swallowtail.

As opposed to other pipevines, this one will not take over an entire trellis and has a low, mounding habit growing to lengths of about 3 feet which also makes it a good choice for hanging baskets. Plants may die back in the winter but will return from the root the next growing season and may also reseed.

The flowers of this pipevine are pale yellow and purple and have a fringed edge which leads to the other common name for this species, Fringed Pipevine.

This pipevine may not be entirely hearty in full sun, so make sure to pick a place with a little shade, especially in the withering heat of the afternoon.

And… we’re back!

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In the last few weeks we have been making a great number of changes in the gardens. Large groups of volunteers from Verizon have toiled to help us in our endeavor to clear large portions of the garden, eradicate invasive species like the Mexican petunia and replant these refreshed beds with flowers butterflies will love.

• We have added a bird garden filled with millet and sunflowers and we will be adding berry producing plants later in the year.
• A large swath of the garden just behind the BioWorks screen enclosure has been turned into a sprawling patch of salvia in gorgeous purples, pinks and reds.
• The George Washington Carver edible garden has been entirely replanted with vegetable plants in a project supported by the Elements and Science To Go stores at MOSI.
• More native plants have been added and beds of milkweed have been packed full with young plants.
• The small waterfall pond by the front doors of MOSI has been packed with annual flowers.
• The front walkway to the garden was refreshed with colorful summer annuals and additional nectar plants for our butterflies.
• Lastly, the flight encounter area has been packed with summer hearty nectar and host plants for the butterflies inside the exhibit.

Now that all of this has been done, we can return to a more regular schedule of garden blog postings.