Butterfly Weed (Ascelpias tuberosa)

Art Historical Context

**Butterfly Weed (Ascias tuberosa)**, painted by Mary Vaux Wal in 1919, the vibrant orange blooms of this native North American wildflower, known for attracting butterflies and thriving in dry soils. Walcott, a skilled amateur artist and naturalist (1860–1940), created this work as part of her extensive series documenting North American flora. Gifted by the artist herself to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, now resides in their collection, exemplifying early 20th-century botanical art that bridged science and aesthetics. Walcott's paintings, produced during summer expeditions with her geo...