Native Plants Support Vital Pollinators: Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) with a Digger Bee ( Anthophora sp.) and Bee Fly (Bombyliidae)
Published Photo
Barbara H Smith
Horticulture Extension Agent
Clemson University
Clemson
Abstract
The submitted photo illustrates the important relationship between beneficial pollinating insects and native plants. In the image, pollinators such as a digger bee ( family Apidae) and a bee fly (family Bombyliidae) are visiting the flowers of showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa). This native plant produces large, fragrant, pinkish-purple flower clusters, making it one of the most attractive milkweed species for pollinators. Showy milkweed supports a wide variety of species, including bees, flies, butterflies, and even hummingbirds that feed on its nectar. Native to western and central North America, the plant is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in areas with limited rainfall. Because of this adaptability, showy milkweed provides a critical source of pollen and nectar for pollinators living in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. The photo was taken at the Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings, Montana, while attending the NACAA National Meeting in June 2025. Montana has over 2900 native plant species.
The photo was a part of a photo blog featuring Montana wildflowers that was published on Clemson Extension's Home and Garden Information Center website for the week of August 11, 2025
https://hgic.clemson.edu/august-11-week-2-garden-photos/
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Comments from HGIC Website Viewers:
I love wildflowers, and discovering these amazing photos by Barbara H. Smith is a real joy. I always look at her album here, and these are just stunning. Great job!
Love everything. Enjoy seeing and learning about all the beautiful flowers.
Published Photo