Alphabetical Plant Listing

Save Monarch Butterflies with these Ornamental Milweeds

Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Butterflyweed, Swamp Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, Mexican Whorled Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias incarnata, Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias fascicularis, Asclepias curassavica


Mostly native to the U.S. and Canada, Asclepias include over 100 species of evergreen or deciduous perennials adorned with clusters of small, interestingly shaped blooms that are irresistible to butterflies. Attractive and easy to grow, they shine in many perennial gardens and are a key component of butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, or prairies and meadows.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival. The biggest danger to the monarch butterfly is the disappearance of Milkweed because of habitat destruction and the widespread use of herbicides by both commercial farms and state highway departments. Without Milkweed, monarchs cannot successfully reproduce and the species declines. In the last 20 years, the monarch butterfly population in North America has decreased by 90%. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!

There are many varieties of Milkweed — some varieties do well in full sun and can tolerate drought, while others prefer marshy conditions. Make it a goal to include a few plants to help the monarchs and select the varieties ideally suited for your garden and growing conditions.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
Compare All Asclepias Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias Guides with Asclepias

USFWS Midwest Region, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
Compare All Asclepias Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias Guides with Asclepias

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