The Milkweed Lands by Eric Lee-Mäder
From the publisher:
"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."
From NPU:
Xerces Society ecologist, Eric Lee-Mader offers historical, biological, and modern context for this account of milkweeds. Utterly of this era, Lee-Mader gets the blend of solastalgia, personal insights, and hope for the future just right. We especially love the large watercolor illustrations for the beauty and tone they lend in this tribute to The Milkweed Lands.
A friendly book that's reminiscent of a 19th century naturalist's notebook with watercolors by Beverly Duncan. (NOTE: In the grand tradition of embedding a flaw in one's work so as not to offend any gods, the ID illustration of a monarch on page 8 is actually a viceroy.) Everything you wanted to know about milkweeds in a highly engaging, treat for the eyes, easily digestible package! This would be a wonderful book for any classroom!
Stats: Hardcover, Color Illustrations, 120 Pages, 13" x 10.3", Published 2023