Honeyvine Milkweed Seed Pod

The Honeyvine Wilkweed (Cynanchum laeve) is a vining perennial herb native to eastern and central U.S. states. Many consider the plant to be a noxious weed that can cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes if touched, and is even purported to cause severe heart problems if consumed. However, it is a vital resource as a food plant for caterpillars of the monarch butterfly and to the larvae of the milkweed tussock moth. But to a photographer it’s a dream subject in the late summer and early fall when the seed pods dry out and burst open. The densely packed seeds and silky filaments make a beautiful subject in natural light.

Honeyvine Milkweed Seed Pod Monochrome

The Honeyvine Wilkweed (Cynanchum laeve) is a vining perennial herb native to eastern and central U.S. states. Many consider the plant to be a noxious weed that can cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes if touched, and is even purported to cause severe heart problems if consumed. However, it is a vital resource as a food plant for caterpillars of the monarch butterfly and to the larvae of the milkweed tussock moth. But to a photographer it’s a dream subject in the late summer and early fall when the seed pods dry out and burst open. The densely packed seeds and silky filaments make a beautiful subject in natural light.