when does milkweed bloom in michigan

What time of year does milkweed bloom?

Flowers occur in round clusters (inflorescence) about two inches in diameter, and bloom from June through August. Fruit: Milkweeds produce large seedpods (3 to 5 inches long) after flowering. Pale green and covered with bumps, the pods eventually turn brown and split open, releasing up to 200 flat, brown seeds.

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.

What month does milkweed grow?

Planting Time: Milkweed plants can be planted in spring or fall. In spring, your milkweed plants will likely arrive in a dormant state, with no green leaves above the soil line.

Does milkweed bloom 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. ... Finally, milkweed may not bloom if the plant is stressed, such as by drought or excessive heat. Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering!

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.

Does milkweed bloom all summer?

After a long-bloom that can last much of the summer, seed pods will form that open in the fall, starting the cycle anew. You can collect these seeds once the pods have begun to turn brown and open, sowing your own milkweed seeds.

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.

What if Monarch caterpillars run out of 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.

When can I pull out milkweed?

Be patient and wait to remove milkweed plants until after the butterflies have emerged from their crysalids, or in the late spring before the butterflies arrive. If you decide to remove all of the common milkweed from your garden, consider replacing it with other less aggressive native milkweed species.

Does milkweed need sun or shade?

Most milkweed species evolved in open areas where they were exposed to full sunlight and they will do best if they are planted in the sunniest areas of your gardens. A few species, such as A. purpurascens, appear to require partial shade.

Is milkweed poisonous if you touch it?

Milkweed is a poisonous plant that can cause severe sickness or death if it is ingested by humans and animals. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the milky sap contains the highest concentration of poison. Keep pets and people out of the area you are spraying to protect them from exposure to dicamba.

What is the best time to plant milkweed seeds?

According to the document, milkweed seed should ideally be planted in the fall. While some seed predation will occur, exposure to cold temperatures and moist conditions during winter will stimulate germination.

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.

Does milkweed need a lot of water?

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

What does milkweed look like when it blooms?

Round clusters of light pink flowers grow near top of plant. The flower colours may vary from near white to purplish, and are pleasant smelling. Seed pods have a smooth exterior texture (unlike common milkweed) and ripen in fall to reveal small seeds with white silk attachments common to all milkweeds.

Where is the best place to find milkweed?

Look for milkweed in regularly disturbed areas, and areas of native landscaping. For example, check local parks, nature reserves, along alleys and sidewalk boulevards, rain gardens, prairie, and (safely) roadsides.

What type of milkweed do monarchs like?

Common milkweed is one of the easiest milkweeds to grow, but it can be aggressive in the garden. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens): My favorite species of monarch butterfly host plant, purple milkweed is hard to find in the nursery trade but oh so beautiful!

What part of the milkweed is poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.

Does milkweed multiply?

Common Milkweed blooming in my garden last summer. ... Depending on the variety, flowers come in all shades of pink, orange, and white, fitting in with any garden style as long as you have a spot to really let it multiply and grow. Once established, this native plant is a breeze to grow and requires little maintenance.

Can milkweed grow in shade?

This milkweed has large, oval, blue-green leaves and spherical clusters of rose-colored flowers at the top of the stem. The blooming period is from May to September. This milkweed prefers sun but is shade-tolerant, and generally grows well in moderately moist soil.

Why is my milkweed not flowering?

The cause of milkweed not blooming may be as simple as too much fertilizer or fertilizer runoff. Milkweed without flowers growing along regularly fertilized lawns, gardens or crop fields are probably getting too much nitrogen, which can cause lush green growth and a lack of blooms. Bone meal can help offset this.