All About Milkweed and the Monarch Butterfly

Milkweeds, members of the genus Asclepias, are more than just wildflowers; they are natural marvels that can elevate any garden. Their striking five-part flowers and sweet fragrance make them a standout choice for informal garden borders. These native plants are renowned for their ability to attract butterflies, earning them a prominent place in many butterfly gardens. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these nectar-rich blooms are valued food sources for countless pollinators, but they're absolutely essential for one species: the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed plants. And in the past decade, the monarch population has declined dramatically, making milkweed cultivation essential for their survival.

Which Milkweed Is Right for Your Garden?

There are dozens of milkweed species, which grow all over the United States and Canada. However, some of these are only suited to very specific growing conditions, making them poor choices for most gardens. But five common types of milkweed are native to most of the continent and not terribly difficult to grow, making them good choices for home flower gardens.

One of the most familiar varieties is common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust plant with delicate, bell-shaped flowers ranging from white to pale lavender. This plant thrives in sunny locations with moderately moist soil.

If your garden is in a wetter climate or you're choosing plants for a rain garden, swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is an excellent choice. This species flourishes in moist conditions, and its fragrant pink flower clusters are good for creating stunning floral displays.

Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a compact variety that typically reaches a height of up to 30 inches. Its white flowers bloom in loose clusters during mid-summer. This adaptable plant thrives in drier conditions and can tolerate partial shade.

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is another option that prefers dry conditions. It's renowned for its cheerful, upward-facing orange or yellow blooms that appear in mid-summer.

Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a South American native typically cultivated as an annual flower in America. Its vibrant red flowers with yellow centers bloom continuously from June to October. However, if you choose to grow this variety, it's important to research when the monarchs typically migrate from your area and cut down your milkweed at that time of year. Otherwise, your plants could discourage the monarchs from migrating on time.

Growing Milkweeds in the Garden

Milkweeds thrive in informal gardens, so they're great for planting in a meadow or as a border. Their structure visually complements tall grasses, like big bluestem, little bluestem, switch grass, and tussock grass. You could also make them the focal point of a monarch way station, a specialized garden that provides everything monarchs need throughout their life cycle.

Growing Milkweed From Seed

You can easily grow milkweeds from seeds, although it may take a few years before they flower. If you can, sow the seeds outdoors in the fall, so they're exposed to the winter cold and can go through the natural cycle of dormancy before germinating in the spring. If you need to plant them in the spring instead, start by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and freezing them for a couple of weeks, which will mimic winter conditions. You can also just opt to buy milkweed plants, an easier and more beginner-friendly approach.

All About the Monarch Butterfly

The Great Monarch Migration: Read about the annual migration of the monarch butterfly, including the distance covered, preferred destinations, and why the migration is under threat.
Monarch Butterfly: Learn important facts about this butterfly, including their food sources and physical features.
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle: This page contains information about the four stages of this butterfly's life cycle.
Monarch Butterflies and Overwintering: Discover how these insects find overwintering sites and how they rely on an internal timer while overwintering.
Monarch Butterfly Habitat: The National Wildlife Federation shares information regarding the monarch butterfly's habitat and the current efforts to restore it.
What Do Monarch Butterflies Eat? This article talks about the reasons why monarch butterflies prefer feeding on milkweed and the specific parts they eat.
Creating a Monarch Way Station: Learn how to build a way station in your yard to help save monarch butterflies and beautify your garden.
Monarch Migration and Inbreeding: This study discusses inbreeding among monarchs and how migration helps to naturally prevent it.
Monarch Butterflies and Climate Change: Discover how climate change affects the behavior of these temperature-sensitive insects.
Genetic Secrets of the Monarch Butterfly: This page explores a study that reveals the genetics and evolutionary origins of these insects.