Milkweed Plant Varieties - Growing Different Milkweed Plants

Which milkweed plant do monarchs prefer?

Female monarchs will lay eggs on all nine milkweed species, but they prefer some over others. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) averaged the highest number of eggs. Monarch caterpillars hatching from eggs laid on tall green milkweed (A.

What is the difference between swamp milkweed and common milkweed?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Unlike common milkweed, the central stem may branch. Leaves can be up to 15cm in length (but are often shorter), are much narrower (1-4cm width) than common milkweed, and taper to a sharper point. Stems and leaves release a milky-white sap when broken.

How many types of milkweed are there?

With over 100 native species of milkweed plants in the United States, almost anyone can grow varieties of milkweed in their area.

Can monarch caterpillars eat anything other than milkweed?

Most enthusiasts have found most success with butternut squash as a substitute for milkweed leaves. Some of the other vegetables that have successfully been fed to Monarch caterpillars in the last instar (last few days) are cucumber, zucchini, and pumpkin.

Does milkweed come back every year?

Perennial milkweeds grow back year after year. They provide habitat for traveling Monarch butterflies. If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you'll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed.

Do hummingbirds like milkweed?

Milkweed is a must-have butterfly plant. Not only is it the host plant for monarchs — hummingbirds (and many other butterflies) like these flowers too. There are dozens of varieties available, but swamp milkweed seems to be the monarch and hummingbird favorite in our yard.

Where should I plant my milkweed?

Plant in full sun locations. Soil: There is a Milkweed variety for every landscape. Common Milkweed grows well in average garden soil. Swamp Milkweed, as its name implies, will do best in a moist environment, making it great for wet meadows or rain gardens.

Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Is butterfly flower the same as milkweed?

Differences. Common milkweed exists over much of the United States, while butterfly weed grows mainly east of the Rocky Mountains. Common milkweed has purplish flowers, with the blooms of butterfly weed orange or red, the only kind of milkweed that showcases these colors.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

According to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University, common milkweed is slightly toxic to humans, but only if eaten in large amounts.

Why is milkweed illegal?

Grafstein said that milkweed may have once been considered poisonous, and thus classified as a noxious weed, due to its milky sap containing toxins that could be harmful to pets and people if consumed in vast quantities.

Is milkweed an invasive plant?

A few tips for purchasing and planting milkweed

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the source of the plant's bad reputation—it's quite invasive. ... These two alternatives do not spread by rhizomes and are employed by monarchs just as often as the common milkweed.”

Which milkweed is bad for monarchs?

In addition to the concerns over OE and disruption of migration behavior, emerging research suggests that tropical milkweed may actually become toxic to monarch caterpillars when the plants are exposed to the warmer temperatures associated with climate change.

Will milkweed grow back after caterpillars?

If the caterpillars have striped your milkweed plant bare can you save the plant to re-grow ? Hi Kelcey, Yes, even if the caterpillars have eaten all the leaves and the plant is just stems, after a while, new leaves will sprout and grow. My milkweed plants have been stripped several times.

Can you grow milkweed from cuttings?

All milkweeds are perennials and some can be grown from cuttings. ... To start cuttings, cut the stems underwater, then coat the bottom of the stem with a strong rooting hormone. The stems should be placed in sand, vermiculite, or potting soil that is kept continuously moist.

Does milkweed flower the first year?

In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. ... Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering! The caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, so your milkweed can still be a host plant without flowers.

How long do milkweed plants live?

There are over 100 species of milkweed in North America and the diversity of foliage and flower color is quite amazing. All milkweeds are herbaceous perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. In fact, most milkweeds will live for several years if cared for properly.

Does milkweed need a lot of water?

Water. Common milkweed does not need watering except in the driest conditions.

Do you deadhead milkweed?

Deadheading milkweed is not necessary but it will keep the plants looking tidy and may promote further blooms. If you do it right after the first flowering, you can expect a second crop of blooms. Cut the blooms off just above a flush of leaves when milkweed deadheading.

What is a hummingbird's favorite flower?

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

What flowers do butterflies like the most?

Plants that attract butterflies

Alyssum.
Aster.
Bee balm.
Butterfly bush.
Calendula.
Cosmos.
Daylily.
Delphinium.