Cutleaf Coneflower + Delaware Skipper Butterfly

Cutleaf coneflower, or Rudbeckia Laciniata, is a native prairie wildflower part of the Asteraceae family. I met them in lakes country where I went to draw outside, and had forgotten to bring my Black-eyed Susan friend to draw, another more well-known member of the Rudbeckia species. Looking around, I found cutleaf coneflower, and identified them as another Rudbeckia! It was a Eureka moment, and lesson in the land providing what I need. When I say I work with the land, I mean it in the most literal sense. Cutleaf loves to grow in wet sites in flood plains, along stream banks, and in moist forests, and grows very tall, upright and lanky.

Medicinal uses: a root tea infusion was made for treating worms and indigestion, the flowers were used as a poultice to treat burns, and plant parts were rubbed on horses to boost their energy.

Cutleaf is partnered with the Delaware Skipper butterfly, a member of the grass skippers “Hesperiidae” family. Found in open fields, prairies, and some residential areas. Larvae feed on members of the grass family, including big bluestem and switchgrass, which are both common in native tallgrass prairies. The adults drink nectar from flowers, preferring those with pink or white petals. Wingspan is 1 to 1.5 inches.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame.