Native Butterflies and Flowers

Oregon Swallowtails, a state’s delight,  

Wings strong and wary, they take flight.  

Named for Oregon, their fame’s not hollow,  

With names that fit, they proudly follow.

Viceroys mimic Monarchs’ pose,  

Yet lack the lines and spots that show.  

Distasteful both, but here’s the clue,  

The Monarch’s larger, black line’s not in view.

Great Purple Hairstreak’s blues so grand,  

Their flight’s a show, a skyward band.  

With a hue that shines like Jimi’s tune,  

They light up skies, a visual boon.

Gray Hairstreak’s tail fools the eye,  

False head and tails, a clever disguise.  

Moving wings to trick and defend,  

A smart escape from a predator’s end.

Great Spangled Fritillaries lay their eggs,  

On violets, young caterpillars beg.  

Overwinter in silence, then spring awakens,  

Eat violet leaves, their hunger’s taken.

Once lost but found in ‘89,
Fender’s Blue, a hopeful sign.
Prairies turned to fields and town,
Invasive plants push natives down.

Western Columbine’s spurs resemble talons,  

Petals like doves in wind’s soft gallants.  

Swaying flowers seem ready to soar,  

As if they’d fly away, oh, what a lore!

Camas blooms in meadows wide,  

Sweet bulbs cooked slow, a native pride.  

Sweet as figs, in earth they bake,  

A culinary skill for the taste they make.

Wild Onion’s blush-pink, a lovely sight,  

Host to caterpillars, nectar's delight.  

Leaves and bulbs edible, flavors bold,  

Grows under walnuts, a trait to behold.

Oregon Sunshine, blooms that please,  

Sunflower kin, they attract bees.  

Long-lasting flowers and foliage, too,  

Host to painted lady caterpillars, true.

Beardtongue’s five stamens, a Greek delight,  

One’s sterile, a hairy sight.  

North America’s largest floral crew,  

A “beardtongue” look for a flower so true.

Early Blue Violet, small but grand,  

Host to butterflies, in gardens stand.  

Fragrant blooms, a salad’s cheer,  

Adding zest to dishes near and dear.

Cusick's Mallow’s flowers vary in size,

Big ones have pollen, small ones are shy.

The large blooms make seeds, the small ones don’t share,

Look closely while hiking, see this mix rare.