29″L x 23″W Graphite, watercolor on Arches

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
Genus was named in honor of Greek God of medicine (Aesculapius), due to the fact that it was used to treat digestive issues.  The Latin species name incarnata, means ” flesh colored” for the dusty pink flower.

Monarch butterfly dependent on this plant for its defense, the laying of eggs and primary source of food.
One of the many pollinators, and a very important one ,  is the native Megachile campanulae ( Bellflower Resin bee) It uses Resins for nest construction and is the first known insect to use plastics to build nests.