Scarlet Butterfly Weed

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Gaura coccinea
Gaura coccinea

Scarlet butterfly weed. Photo by Marion Jankunis.

Ethnobotany

According to Royer and Dickinson, “Plains tribes used this plant to treat burns, inflammations and general body pains.” (277)

Botany

This slender, 10–30 cm tall, flower is not very showy because the blossoms are small and open only one or two at a time. Also, it fully opens only at night. Typical of night blooming flowers, which are pollinated by moths, the protruding stamens are conspicuous and, in this plant, red-tipped. 

This plant is not currently in the garden, but we hope it is coming soon. 

References

  • Royer, France and Richard Dickinson. 2007. Plants of Alberta. Lone Pine Publishing, AB. 

WildflowerPenny Dodd and Marion JankunisGalt Museum & ArchivesComment