The Milkweed Lands: An Epic Story of One Plant: Its Nature and Ecology by Eric Lee-Mäder

National Outdoor Book Award Winner Delve into this fascinating appreciation of milkweed, an often-overlooked plant, and discover an amazing range of insects and organisms that depend on it as the seasons unfold, with this collaboration between a noted ecologist and an award-winning botanical illustrator. Ecologist Eric Lee-Mäder and noted botanical artist Beverly Duncan have teamed up to create this unique exploration of the complex ecosystem that is supported by the remarkable milkweed plant, often over-looked or dismissed as a roadside weed. With stunning, up-close illustrations and engaging text, they trace every stage of the plant's changes and evolutions throughout the seasons, including germination, growth, flowering, and seed development. Simultaneously, they chronicle the lives of the many creatures whose lives are intertwined with the milkweed: monarch butterflies; soldier and queen butterflies; milkweed tussock moths; large and small milkweed bugs; milkweed weevils; bumble bees; goldfinches; and more. The delightful illustrations and illuminating text give the reader the feeling of browsing an avid naturalist's sketchbook, while also learning about different milkweed species, how to propagate milkweed in the garden, the industrial uses of milkweed, interesting milkweed relatives, and more. Read more

From the Publisher Follow the milkweed plant through its many life stages and learn about its important roles in each season. From commonly known butterflies to the lesser recognized milkweed tussock moths, explore the diverse species that rely on the milkweed plant to sustain their vibrant environments. Commonly dismissed as a “ditch weed,” see how this multifaceted plant boasts surprising purpose for lush ecosystems both in the backyard garden and overgrown roadsides. 100 Plants to Feed the Monarch 100 Plants to Feed the Bees 100 Plants to Feed the Birds Queenspotting Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Customer Reviews 225 810 98 524 Price $13 53 $11 68 $12 99 $15 45 More From Storey Publishing: Gardeners can discover how to support monarch butterfly populations through the year with 100 at-a-glance profiles of the plant species that provide monarchs with nourishment and sustain their great migration. Learn how to protect our pollinators with browsable profiles of 100 common flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees that support bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Discover how to plan for and maintain a garden with 100 native trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, lichens, vines, and cacti that will provide long-term, year-round support for birds of all kinds. Discover the inner workings of the hive by taking a look at the heart of the fascinating lives of honeybees and find the queen among the other hive residents in 48 Where’s Waldo? style fold-out challenges.