Butterfly Vines

I love blooming vines wrapped around trees, porches, fences and, sometimes, even used as ground covers. One of my favorites that blooms twice a year, in the spring and in the summer, is Butterfly Vine. (Mascagnia macroptera yellow.) Though not a native, it is extremely well adapted to our area. It does not freeze, is deer proof (perhaps I should say “deer resistant.”), blooms twice a year, is vigorous, a perennial, and is well behaved. The yellow flowers are abundant and they work well in flower arrangements.

Butterfly vine is from Mexico and in my reference books, it is also called “Orchid Vine.” I haven’t figured this out as the flowers do not in any way remind me of any orchids I have ever seen. After the blooms, brown seed pods that look amazingly like butterflies form. I have often thought that an artist could paint them and they would indeed make an acceptable butterfly for artistic purposes. The vine grows in full sun, part sun, or shade. What more could one expect from a lovely vine? Give it a try.

The Village Thrift Store on River Road really needs some more volunteers to help. After expenses, all profits benefit five different charities. Help is especially needed for The Barn area where materials for habitat and building projects are housed. If you are looking for something to fill your time, please consider volunteering. Check the store’s hours and go by to see if this might be a viable opportunity for you to contribute to your community in a very worthwhile place.

Written by Martha Knies