Redring milkweed

A milkweed species that is native to the eastern United States. It can grow to 3 ft tall (see pic 2). It has a woody stem and deep roots help it survive wildfires and drought. Large clustered flower heads developed at the top in spring and early summer. Flowers are waxy and white, frequently with reddish, pinkish, to purplish rings around the middle, hence the common name. The flowers have a sweet odor. Bees, wasps, butterflies, flies, and ants can be seen on its flowers. In the first pic, an American Lady butterfly and a Large Milkweed Bug are visiting the flower.