Boltonia

/bɔːlˈtoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, native to North America, with small purple or white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.

Etymology

Named after James Bolton, an 18th-century English naturalist and mycologist, using the Latin scientific naming convention with -ia. The plant was classified during the era when naturalists were cataloging American flora.

Kelly Says

Boltonia flowers are a crucial late-season food source for monarch butterflies during their migration to Mexico—a single boltonia plant can sustain dozens of butterflies preparing for their 3,000-mile journey.

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