“What sorts of milkweed ought to I plant in my backyard?”
This may occasionally appear to be a loopy query if you happen to’re simply getting began with native gardening. Why would you wish to plant a weed?!
However milkweed isn’t a weed in any respect. As a substitute, it’s a flowering plant that draws butterflies (suppose Monarchs), native bees, and different pollinating bugs, which is a superb factor!
This text will provide you with details about widespread sorts of milkweed in your space and which of them can be greatest on your backyard.
You’ll discover a USDA Hardiness Zone for lots of the Milkweed crops within the article. This refers to areas of the US the place crops do greatest, based mostly on temperature. Here’s a map exhibiting the hardiness zones of the US:
Hardiness Zones in the US vary from 1a to 13b.
#1. Widespread Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 3 to five ft; as much as 8 ft.
- Bloom Time: June to August
Widespread Milkweed is the species most individuals consider after they hear the identify milkweed. It’s a hardy perennial and one of the crucial widespread sorts of milkweed in the US.
Milkweed will get its identify from the latex or milky white secretions produced if the stem or leaves are damaged. The leaves are oval, about six to eight inches lengthy, and darkish inexperienced.
The blooms of the Widespread Milkweed plant are clusters of tiny flowers on stems that radiate from the bigger central stem. These clusters are known as umbels. The aromatic flowers are greenish-pink, pink, or purple and provides method to 4-inch seed pods within the late summer time and early fall. Initially, the pods are inexperienced however slowly mature to brown. Ultimately, they cut up open, revealing seeds and fluffy white materials known as coma that enables the seeds to disperse on the wind.
Widespread Milkweed is an extremely vital wildflower in the US.
Over 450 native bugs feed on the nectar, sap, leaves, and flowers. As well as, it’s an vital meals supply for caterpillars of the Monarch Butterfly (Danuas plexippus). The grownup butterflies lay their eggs completely on members of the milkweed (Asclepias) household.
Apparently, all milkweed species comprise cardiac glycoside compounds. Monarch Butterflies and different bugs eat milkweed and retailer the compounds of their our bodies. Potential predators have realized to keep away from Monarchs to keep away from this harmful and bitter poison!
Widespread Milkweed is comparatively simple to develop, and it’s one of many best methods you may assist assist Monarch Butterflies. You’ll want a spot that receives full solar for planting. Widespread Milkweed does greatest in well-drained areas however isn’t choosy about soil and could be grown in clay, loamy, or sandy areas. They tolerate poor soils and don’t must be fertilized. It’s important by no means to make use of pesticides on these crops since they kill species like Monarch Butterflies.
Widespread Milkweed can unfold by seed, or underground rhizomes, that are root colonies. This implies you may add Widespread Milkweed to your backyard by immediately sowing seeds or planting cuttings from an current plant.
#2. Whorled Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1 to three ft
- Bloom Time: Could to September
Whorled Milkweed is essentially the most broadly distributed milkweed species in the US.
This distinctive perennial is typically neglected by gardeners who wish to plant milkweed. In comparison with different varieties, it has a slender stem and spiky leaves organized in a spiral sample. When not in bloom, it simply blends in amongst grasses.
It blooms from Could to September, forming flat-topped clusters of small greenish-white flowers on the top of every stem. The flowers entice numerous bugs, together with bees, wasps, butterflies, skippers, beetles, and flies.
Whorled Milkweed continues to be a welcome host plant for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars regardless of its distinctive look. Since this species is likely one of the final milkweeds to die again within the fall, it’s an excellent late-season host for Monarchs making ready emigrate south!
This delicate-looking wildflower can simply develop from seed, however it might not flower the primary yr. It may be grown in full solar or partial shade. Whorled Milkweed thrives in numerous habitats, together with fields, pastures, roadsides, dry prairies, dry slopes, woodlands, and meadows. Sadly, it’s extremely toxic to livestock and is taken into account a nuisance weed in agricultural areas.
It grows greatest in dry soil of varied varieties, together with sandy, rocky, and clay soils. It may also be grown in moist, common backyard soil. Take into account that it’s an aggressive spreader by seeds and underground rhizomes, so it’s possible you’ll not wish to select this milkweed you probably have a restricted space for gardening.
#3. Desert Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-11
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1.5 to 4 ft
- Bloom Time: Could to July
Because the identify suggests, this species is usually present in desert areas. Desert Milkweed usually grows on dry slopes and washes. The stems are yellow to inexperienced and broader on the base.
Figuring out this species could be tough as there’s some variation within the leaves. They develop in pairs on the stem and could also be fully easy or densely coated in cream-colored hair. They’re usually boring grayish or pale to darkish inexperienced. Desert Milkweed blooms from Could to July, forming rounded umbels or clusters of about 20 small flowers atop the stems. The flowers are white, cream, or yellow.
Desert Milkweed is sort of adaptable and could be grown from seed in lots of house gardens. It wants well-drained sandy soils in areas with low natural matter. It ought to be planted in full solar. Like different milkweeds, its massive taproot offers it glorious drought tolerance.
This species is a number plant for the Monarch Butterfly, Queen Butterfly, Clio Tiger Moth, and Euchaetes Zella Moth. The blooms additionally entice quite a lot of pollinators, together with native bees.
#4. Butterfly Weed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 2 to three ft
- Bloom Time: Could to September
Butterfly Weed is a showy member of the milkweed household. Generally known as Orange Milkweed, this perennial wildflower options massive flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers that develop 2 to five inches throughout. The blooms are sensible orange or yellow.
Apparently, its darkish inexperienced leaves and stems don’t produce the identical milky sap as different species of milkweed in the US.
Butterfly Weed is a superb selection for gardens and or wildflower meadows. The gorgeous flowers are aromatic and are perfect for reduce flower preparations. Additionally they entice native bees, butterflies, and honeybees to your backyard. Butterfly Weed can be a number plant for Monarch, Grey Hairstreak, and Queen butterfly caterpillars.
This native flower is a superb low-maintenance selection for the house gardener. Butterfly Weed’s deep taproots imply you’ll by no means have to water it as soon as it’s established. As well as, this plant is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in full solar. Butterfly Weed additionally does high quality with none fertilization however grows greatest in rocky or sandy soil.
Not like Widespread Milkweed, this species doesn’t transplant properly and ought to be began from seed.
#5. Purple Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 2 to three ft
- Bloom Time: Could to July
Purple Milkweed is likely one of the most vibrantly colourful species of milkweed in the US!
It produces an attractive, rounded cluster of vibrant purple flowers. The flowers are aromatic and entice numerous nectar-seeking bugs, together with Monarchs and plenty of different butterflies.
Sadly, this species of milkweed is taken into account endangered or of particular concern in elements of its vary. This lovely wildflower is a vital host species for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars which feed on the leaves. Search for Purple Milkweed in open woodlands, ridges, thickets, meadows, prairie openings, stream banks, and moist meadows within the wild.
Within the backyard, it’s simple to domesticate in common, well-drained soil. It does properly in poor-quality or dry soils and may be very drought-tolerant as soon as established. Purple Milkweed thrives in full solar and can unfold by seeds and underground rhizomes. It usually varieties in depth colonies, so ensure you have loads of house if you happen to select this milkweed!
#6. White Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: As much as 3 ft
- Bloom Time: Could to July
White Milkweed has distinctive, spherical clusters of about 30 small, white flowers. At first, the flower buds are inexperienced however flip white earlier than blossoming. There are tinges of purple on the base, which is why this perennial can be known as Redring Milkweed. The flowers are filled with nectar and have a candy perfume that draws bees, wasps, butterflies, and ants.
Not like many milkweed species that desire full solar, White Milkweed usually grows in open woodland and alongside woodland edges. Nonetheless, in the backyard, it thrives in areas with partial shade and creates a snowball impact with its beautiful spherical clusters of white flowers.
Sadly, this milkweed species is endangered in elements of its vary, however it may be cultivated from seed. White Milkweed is adaptable to many climates however does greatest in sandy or rocky, well-drained soil.
White Milkweed doesn’t usually type massive colonies in a pure setting, not like different milkweed species. Mixed with its tendency to develop in partial shade, this shortage means it isn’t a vital host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Nonetheless, they’ll sometimes use it in a backyard setting. Different bugs like bees, tussock caterpillars, and native butterflies will even be interested in White Milkweed.
#7. Poke Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 2 to six ft
- Bloom Time: Could to August
Poke Milkweed’s flower clusters are pendulous, hanging down from the plant like a weeping willow. They usually have about ten flowers, white with a inexperienced or lavender tinge. The leaves of the Poke Milkweed plant are darkish inexperienced with purplish veins that stand out.
Not like many milkweed species in the US, Poke Milkweed is usually present in partial shade.
This species could be grown in partial shade to full daylight within the backyard. It prefers soil with average moisture and wealthy natural materials. It may be grown efficiently in lots of house gardens and is straightforward to begin from seed.
Poke Milkweed is a superb addition to any butterfly lover’s backyard. It’s a number plant for the caterpillars of Monarchs, Nice Spangled Fritillaries, Tiger Swallowtails, Skippers, and Pearl Crescents. Its blooms additionally entice numerous different bees and butterflies.
#8. Inexperienced Comet Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1.5 to 2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
Inexperienced Comet Milkweed flower clusters type within the pocket created by the higher leaves. They’re made up of 20 to 80 small, pale inexperienced flowers. Apparently, the yellowish-green leaves of this species range in form relying upon their habitat. Crops from moist websites are inclined to have rounder leaves, whereas crops from dry websites have lengthy, slender leaves.
Within the wild, this species is usually discovered on shaded roadsides, savannas, and prairies with moist to dry soil. Within the backyard, you may develop Inexperienced Comet Milkweed from seeds. It grows greatest in gentle to average shade however will tolerate full solar. Medium-dry to dry soil is greatest. Inexperienced Comet Milkweed doesn’t want wealthy soil and can tolerate sandy or rocky soil with low natural matter.
This species is an effective selection for low-maintenance gardens as its lengthy taproot permits it to tolerate drought properly. Not like many different milkweeds, this species is straightforward to stop from spreading. It doesn’t type the massive colonies typical to different milkweeds, so it’s a superb possibility for smaller gardens!
The Inexperienced Comet Milkweed’s copious nectar and candy perfume entice many pollinators, together with honeybees, native bees, and butterflies. It’s additionally a number plant for Monarch Butterflies, although it may be tougher for monarchs to seek out due to its shortage and choice for partial shade.
#9. Showy Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1.5 to three ft; sometimes as much as 6 ft
- Bloom Time: Could to September
Because the identify suggests, Showy Milkweed options flashy pink and white umbels or clusters of small flowers. The flowers are aromatic, and particular person flowers look a bit like crowns. In ideally suited situations, Showy Milkweed might develop as tall as 6 ft!
As a backyard plant, Showy Milkweed has the good thing about being a much less aggressive spreader than most different milkweed varieties in the US. It may be grown simply from seed or the cuttings of an current plant. It’s very drought tolerant and could be grown in a variety of soils.
Like different milkweeds, Showy Milkweed attracts native bugs and Monarch Butterflies to your yard or backyard. Monarchs will go to the flowers for nectar and lay eggs on the crops, that are host crops for the Monarch caterpillars. It’ll additionally entice lovely Queen and Viceroy butterflies to your property!
#10. Inexperienced Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 10 inches to 2 ft
- Bloom Time: April to September
Within the wild, Inexperienced Milkweed could be discovered rising on prairies, roadsides, clearings, ditches, and disturbed roadsides. It thrives in dry areas with limestone soils and grows in massive clusters.
Sometimes, one Inexperienced Milkweed stem will produce a single cluster of small flowers. The flowers are white or yellow-green with a purple tinge. Bigger crops might have a number of clusters on one stem.
Inexperienced Milkweed could be simply grown from seed in house gardens. It’s tolerant of sunshine shade however does greatest in areas that obtain full solar. Its massive taproot offers it glorious drought resistance. Sow it in areas with well-drained sandy or rocky soil for greatest outcomes.
This is likely one of the first species of milkweed in the US to die again in late summer time.
This makes it much less interesting to Monarchs and different moths and butterflies as a number plant than different species. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless generally used, and resident butterflies and different pollinators frequent its flowers for nectar.
#11. Aquatic Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-11
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1.5 to 2 ft
- Bloom Time: Could to September
Aquatic Milkweed can solely develop in areas the place the soil is constantly moist! Subsequently, it may be present in floodplains, waterway margins, marshes, cypress swamps, ditches, and wetlands within the wild. This perennial is well recognized by the massive pink spot on the tip of the unopened flowers.
Aquatic Milkweed produces umbels with about 25 flowers. The flowers are usually white or gentle pink.
Though it has pretty particular necessities, Aquatic Milkweed could be grown in house gardens in the suitable local weather. It wants full daylight and constantly moist soil. It’s a superb selection for planting round water options and moist areas.
This species is a number for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterfly caterpillars which eat the plant’s leaves. Bees, butterflies, and different pollinators are additionally interested in the plant’s aromatic flowers.
#12. Antelope Horns
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1 to 2 ft
- Bloom Time: March to October
Antelope Horns, also referred to as spider flower, tends to sprawl towards the bottom as a substitute of standing upright. The stems of this milkweed are green-tinged with maroon and densely coated in tiny hairs.
This milkweed species will get its identify from its comparatively distinctive seed pods. The curved, upturned pods are thought to resemble antelope horns. When considered from a distance, these crops resemble a subject of antelope. The leaves are slender, as much as 8 inches lengthy, and fold inward alongside the center vein. Search for the whitish-green or purple flower clusters throughout its lengthy blooming season.
Like different milkweeds, Antelope Horns’ flowers entice quite a lot of pollinators. Massive native bee species usually go to the blooms. The crops are additionally hosts for Monarch, Soldier, and Queen butterfly caterpillars.
This species is comparatively simple to develop from seed. Antelope Horns want full solar to thrive and like sandy or rocky soil with little natural matter. It’s an excellent low-maintenance selection, and it thrives with none fertilization and little watering as a result of its massive taproot.
#13. Narrowleaf Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1 to three ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
Narrowleaf Milkweed, generally known as Mexican Whorled Milkweed in the US, is usually seen rising in massive teams. It has a way more delicate, grass-like look than Widespread Milkweed.
It’s most conspicuous when it’s in bloom, from June via September. The blooms are upright clusters of about 20 small flowers. The flowers are variable in colour, from greenish to pink, white, and even purple. The skinny, spiky leaves are organized in a spiral across the stem. Starting in July, seed pods change the blooms. The seed pods are slender, skinny, easy, and lengthy. They cut up down the aspect and launch wind-borne gentle brown seeds and coma when mature.
Within the wild, Narrowleaf Milkweed is usually discovered within the dry climates of plains, foothills, valleys, and roadsides. Within the backyard, it may be began from seed and is a superb low-maintenance plant. It thrives in areas with full solar and is drought-tolerant.
This species is a number plant for the caterpillars of Monarch and Queen Butterflies and Isabella Tiger, Clio Tiger, Hitched Arches, and Euchaetes Zella moths Varied different pollinators like bumblebees and wasps additionally go to the plant’s blooms.
#14. Swamp Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-6
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 3 to five ft
- Bloom Time: June to October
Because the identify suggests, this moisture-loving perennial is usually discovered rising wild on creek banks and ditches or in openings in swamps, bogs, marshes, and different moist areas. So if you’re in search of a plant for the moist spot in your yard, Swamp Milkweed is an ideal selection.
This species thrives in moist, mucky clay soils. It’s nice for planting round ponds or streams in your property. This species requires full solar to thrive and spreads via each seeds and underground rhizomes.
Like different milkweeds in the US, the blooms are clusters of smaller flowers. The sunshine pink, purple, or white flowers of Swamp Milkweed will entice numerous species of native bees and butterflies to your backyard. It’s additionally a number plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
#15. California Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1.5 to three ft
- Bloom Time: April to July
The California Milkweed is a perennial herb with a singular, wooly look. The boring grayish-green stems and leaves are thickly coated in white hairs.
The blooms of this species are pendulous, drooping clusters of about ten small pink or lavender flowers. The wool-like hair discovered on the stems and leaves is current in all places however the flower head.
Within the wild, California Milkweed grows on dry slopes, canyons, chaparral, or woodland foothills. It does properly in sizzling, dry situations. California Milkweed ought to be grown in full solar as a result of it doesn’t tolerate even partial shade. As a result of its massive taproot, it’s extraordinarily drought tolerant as soon as established and thrives in a variety of soils, together with sand and clay. It does greatest in well-drained soil.
When you’re in search of a plant that may tolerate sizzling, dry climate and entice pollinators, California Milkweed is likely to be good! Its flowers entice quite a lot of bee and butterfly species. California Milkweed can be a number plant for Monarch Butterfly, Queen Butterfly, and Clio Tiger Moth caterpillars.
#16. Sandhill Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-11
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1 to three ft
- Bloom Time: March to June
Sandhill Milkweed in the US has a reasonably distinctive progress behavior. Its Latin identify “humistrata” means low rising or sprawling, which is an ideal description for Sandhill Milkweed, which grows flat or almost flat alongside the bottom. It’s usually discovered inside or adjoining to open forests and grows in areas with very dry sandy soils that obtain full daylight.
This species produces clusters of about 30 flowers. The cream, white, or gentle pink flowers give method to easy, erect seed pods 3 to six inches lengthy. When mature, they cut up and launch brown seed and white coma.
Sandhill Milkweed could be propagated from seeds or cuttings and is comparatively low upkeep. It ought to be planted in areas with dry sandy soil that obtain full solar or almost full solar.
This milkweed species is a number to Monarch and Queen Butterfly caterpillars that feed on the plant’s leaves. Sandhill Milkweed flowers additionally entice numerous pollinators and are a favourite of native bees.
#17. Zizotes Milkweed
Rising Data:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Dimension: 1 to 1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: March to September
This species can be recognized merely as Zizotes or “hierba de zizotes.” It’s the least hardy species of milkweed in the US and requires a heat local weather to outlive.
The greenish-white flowers of the Zizotes Milkweed are notable for his or her lengthy, slender hoods, which prolong up and over the central column making this species simple to establish in bloom. The person flowers appear to be tiny champagne flutes!
This species can develop within the wild in prairies, fields, desert grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and ditches with sandy or rocky soil. At house gardens, Zizotes Milkweed could be grown from seed. Nonetheless, this species doesn’t tolerate shade and ought to be planted in full solar with dry, sandy soil.
This milkweed species is very notable as a result of it may survive periodic droughts and even occasional mowing. In consequence, it’s a simple method to incorporate pollinator-friendly, native crops into your panorama. As well as, like different milkweeds, this species is a vital host plant for the caterpillars of Monarchs.
#18. Clasping Milkweed
Clasping Milkweed is a reasonably uncommon species. It’s named for its attribute leaves, which wrap round or clasp the stem.
Clasping Milkweed has thick waxy leaves, that are an adaptation to their habitat. They maintain additional moisture, permitting the plant to outlive extreme droughts. Clasping Milkweed grows in prairies, open savannas, meadows, and different pure areas with few or extensively spaced bushes.
Not like most different milkweed species in the US, Clasping Milkweed options only a single rounded cluster of about 25 massive, aromatic flowers. The person flowers are often pinkish or purplish with some inexperienced or cream in them with petals which can be bent backward.
Clasping Milkweed has very particular habitat wants. This perennial grows greatest in full daylight in areas with dry, sandy, or gravelly soil and little competitors from different perennials.
#19. 4-leaved Milkweed
4-leaved Milkweed, additionally known as Whorled Milkweed, will get its identify from its leaves that develop in whorls of 4 across the center part of the stem. The person leaves are pointed at each ends and egg-shaped to lanceolate.
Whereas not uncommon in the US, it’s a lesser-known and harder-to-find milkweed species! Not like a lot of its extra widespread cousins, 4-leaved Milkweed is a forest-dweller. You’ll be able to often discover 4-leaved Milkweed rising in open, dry, rocky woodlands, slopes, and ridges.
In Could or June, 4-leaved Milkweed blooms with 1 to three rounded clusters of pale pink or white flowers from the tip of the plant. The flowers could also be upright or drooping. The flowers give method to easy, inexperienced seed pods.
#20. Tall Inexperienced Milkweed
- Asclepias hirtella
Also referred to as Prairie Milkweed, this single-stemmed perennial grows as much as 3 ft (1 m) tall. Like different milkweeds, the leaves and stems have white, latex-like sap.
Tall Inexperienced Milkweed has flower clusters that look a bit like inexperienced pom-poms. Every plant usually produces clusters of 30 to 100 tiny, greenish-white flowers, greater than most different milkweed species. The flowers type alongside the size of the stem.
You’ll doubtless discover this milkweed species in the US rising in prairies and different open habitats like rocky glades, roadsides, sandy wetland edges, pastures, and deserted fields. Tall Inexperienced Milkweed thrives in areas with full solar and well-drained soil.
#21. Prairie Milkweed
- Asclepias sullivantii
Additionally known as Sullivant’s Milkweed or Clean Milkweed, this perennial grows from deep rhizomes. Search for a plant with one to a few dome-shaped clusters of pinkish or purplish flowers.
In some areas, Prairie Milkweed is listed as threatened. It initially grew in native tallgrass prairies, which have been largely destroyed with the unfold of recent agriculture.
Right this moment, you’ll discover Prairie Milkweed rising in meadows, prairies, and different open areas in the US. It does properly in moist areas like river bottomland however can’t tolerate degraded soils. Lots of the remaining patches of Prairie Milkweed develop in preserved patches of tall grass prairie that develop alongside railroads.
#22. Fewflower Milkweed
Fewflower Milkweed grows to a shocking 3 to five ft tall and options gorgeous clusters of fiery orange flowers. These tall, slender crops are powerful to identify and virtually invisible of their native panorama till they bloom!
Nonetheless, Fewflower Milkweed nonetheless options the tell-tale white sap of the milkweed genus. Like different milkweeds in the US, it’s a vital supply of meals for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier caterpillars which can be specifically tailored to feed on milkweeds’ poisonous sap.
This delicate perennial grows in swamps, moist pinelands, coastal prairies, ditches, and contemporary and brackish marshes. It does properly in areas which can be seasonally inundated with water.
#23. Longleaf Milkweed
Longleaf Milkweed is a slender, unbranched perennial. Because the identify suggests, the leaves are sometimes for much longer than different milkweed species. The leaves additionally assist set this species aside as every plant has numerous leaves, so many who they’re not simply countable at a look.
Often, Longleaf Milkweed blooms within the spring, however sometimes, you’ll see it blooming in summer time or early fall. The flowers type in clusters on the prime of the plant’s stem. The person flowers are greenish with white corollas tinged with purple.
Longleaf Milkweed grows in the US in bogs, moist to moist flatwoods, and prairies. It prefers full solar however will tolerate partial shade. Sadly, Longleaf Milkweed is uncommon or extinct in elements of its former vary.
#24. Broadleaf Milkweed
Look at a Broadleaf Milkweed from a distance, and it’s possible you’ll suppose you’ve noticed a cabbage plant slightly than a milkweed! Their massive, rounded, thick, darkish inexperienced leaves give the plant its identify and distinctive look. However each the leaves and the stems comprise the milky sap that helps establish any milkweed species.
Clusters of cream, pale inexperienced, or yellowish flowers type alongside the stem and are sometimes virtually hidden by the leaves. The flowers give method to pairs of erect, massive, easy seed pods. The seed pods mature from inexperienced to brown and cut up open to launch flattened brown seeds, every connected to a silky pappus that the wind disperses.
Broadleaf Milkweed in the US grows alongside trails, railroad right-of-ways, roadsides, and in desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, disturbed areas, and overgrazed pastures. The crops’ massive, thick leaves assist them to thrive in full solar and dry soil.
#25. Oval-leaved
This lesser-known milkweed plant could be difficult to identify in the US! The slender, unbranched stems don’t develop very tall, making them mix in with the encircling crops. Search for it rising in dry soil in prairies, savannas, dry riparian terraces, and open pine woodlands.
Because the identify suggests, Oval-leaved Milkweed has reverse, oval-shaped leaves which can be somewhat broader on the base and slender to the tip.
Oval-leaved Milkweeds often flower between Could and July. Sometimes, the flowers are white with some pale inexperienced or pinkish-purple tones and sometimes fade to yellow with age.
The flowers give method to slender, spindle-shaped pods. These erect pods mature to brown and cut up open alongside one aspect to launch brown seeds with silky pappuses which can be unfold by the wind.
#26. Horsetail Milkweed
- Asclepias subverticillata
This milkweed has a fragile, feathery look, with slender leaves forming in whorls. You would possibly spot Horsetail Milkweed blooming all through the summer time, between Could and September. Search for clusters of little white, greenish, or purplish star-shaped flowers.
The flowers give method to slender, erect seed pods. The seed pods cut up open upon maturity and launch brown seeds with silky pappuses that disperse on the wind. The Zuni folks historically gathered these seed pods and spun the fibers of the pappuses to make clothes.
Yow will discover Horsetail Milkweed in the US rising in sandy or rocky plains, mesas, desert slopes, and alongside roadsides. Like different milkweeds, the Horsetail Milkweed is a vital larval host plant for a number of butterfly species.
#27. Humboldt Mountain Milkweed
Along with Humboldt Mountain Milkweed, it’s possible you’ll hear this species known as Phallid Milkweed, Jewel Milkweed, Prostrate Milkweed, or Cow-Cabbage. A few of these names mirror its uncommon look. 🙂
Humboldt Mountain Milkweed is a low-growing or drooping perennial with massive, thick, heart-shaped, cabbage-like leaves. The flower clusters on the prime of the stem appear to be jewels within the desert. Search for flowers that function rose-colored hoods and white or yellowish-green petals which can be bent downward. Chances are you’ll spot this plant blooming between April and June.
Humboldt Mountain Milkweed grows greatest in the US in areas with full solar and dry rocky or sandy soil. Yow will discover it on talus slopes, roadsides, canyon bottoms, arid plains, and sandy and rocky washes.
#28. Rush Milkweed
Additionally known as Desert Milkweed.
Rush Milkweed is a singular species that grows many stalks from a single root crown and seems bare for a lot of the rising season! Like many desert perennials, Rush Milkweed solely grows leaves after rain.
Fortunately, Rush Milkweed doesn’t want leaves to acquire power. This horsetail-looking perennial can photosynthesize utilizing the greenish-white tissue that covers its stems.
Amazingly, these crops can produce flowers and seeds with or with out rainfall. Small clusters of about ten distinctive creamy white or yellow flowers type atop the naked stems. The flowers’ corollas are folded again to show 5 tiny column-like buildings with little hooks on the prime.
#29. Coronary heart-leaf Milkweed
Because the identify suggests, Coronary heart-leaf Milkweed has massive, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are oppositely organized and often bluish-green in colour. Like different milkweeds, splitting a leaf or stem will launch a milky white sap.
Generally, it’s possible you’ll hear Coronary heart-leaf Milkweed known as “Purple Milkweed.” This becoming identify refers back to the a number of clusters of darkish purple or purple flowers that type on two-year-old crops.
Native Americans managed and harvested this milkweed for its fiber to make rope and clothes. Archeologists discovered a 40-foot-long deer comprised of about 7,000 ft of Coronary heart-leaf Milkweed that will have required harvesting over 35,000 crops!
Right this moment, yow will discover Coronary heart-leaf Milkweed rising in the US in dry, rocky areas in deserts, plains, woodlands, chaparral, and evergreen forests. It’ll develop within the mountains as much as about 6,560 ft.
#30. Plains Milkweed
This little milkweed is a creeping perennial that often grows lower than a foot tall. At first look, Plains Milkweed might look extra like rosemary than milkweed! It has small, skinny, linear, whorled, or dense alternately-arranged leaves rising up its stems.
Search for Plains Milkweed in the US in dry, rocky, or sandy prairies or grasslands. Between July and September, globe-shaped clusters of small pink-to-white flowers type on the tip of every stem and generally within the axils of the higher leaves.
Along with being a larval host plant for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies, Plains Milkweed can be an vital nectar supply for numerous moths and butterflies, together with Clarks Sphinx Moths, Milkweed Tussock Moths, Carus Skippers, Japanese Tiger Swallowtails, and Falcate Metalmark Butterflies.
#31. Savannah Milkweed
Savannah Milkweed is likely one of the smallest milkweed species in the US, reaching simply 0.5 to 1 foot tall! With its small measurement and greenish-yellow flowers, it blends in properly with different herbaceous crops and is straightforward to miss, even for devoted naturalists.
Bugs discover it fairly enticing, although! It’s a larval host for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies. The blooms seem from late summer time to early fall and are additionally a favourite for pollinators like bees, wasps, and butterflies.
As their identify suggests, this milkweed grows in savannahs, prairies, and open pineland habitats. It thrives in full solar to partial shade with moist, well-drained sandy soil.
#32. Pineneedle Milkweed
Pineneedle Milkweed is likely one of the bigger milkweed species in the US, reaching a shocking 5 ft tall!
As you most likely guessed, it’s named for its skinny, comfortable pine-needle-like leaves. These narrowly linear leaves are alternately organized up the whole stems. It varieties small clusters of creamy white or greenish-white flowers on the ideas of its stems.
Researchers have discovered that this explicit milkweed species is very useful for the Monarch Butterfly. Its leaves comprise excessive cardenolide ranges, which helps the Monarch Butterfly combat off the OE parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha).
#33. Woollypod Milkweed
Woolypod Milkweed is likely one of the most toxic milkweed species in the US!
This may occasionally not sound like factor, however it’s glorious for Monarchs and different specifically tailored butterflies that use the toxins within the crops to keep off predators and parasites.
This erect perennial flowers from late spring to mid-fall. The flowers type in massive, elaborate clusters close to the highest of the plant. The clusters are comprised of many pink, white, or cream-colored flowers.
True to its identify, the flowers give method to massive seed pods, which have a thick masking of woolly hairs. These seed pods cut up at maturity to launch seeds that can be carried away on the wind because of their silky pappus, a parachute-like attachment.
Woollypod Milkweed thrives in full to partial shade in dry or well-drained soils. It’s fairly drought tolerant, and it’s possible you’ll spot it rising in open woodlands, rocky hillsides, deserts, and different dry areas.
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