Milkweed plants are crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies, providing essential nectar and serving as the sole host plant for their larvae. Here are ten varieties of milkweed that you can incorporate into your garden to support monarch populations.
1. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Common Milkweed is a tall summer bloomer that thrives in full sun. With its pink-purple flowers, it attracts monarchs from June through August. Found in 39 states, it’s an excellent choice for open spaces.
2. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Swamp Milkweed prefers shade and moist soil, making it ideal for gardens with these conditions. Its magenta and white flower balls bloom from summer through fall, providing nectar for monarchs in 43 states.
3. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly Weed is a vibrant addition to sunny, well-drained gardens. Its clusters of gold and orange flowers bloom from May through September, attracting monarchs in 41 states. Compact and colorful, it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
4. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Whorled Milkweed thrives in dry, sunny conditions, standing out with its fine-textured leaves and cream-colored flowers. It’s one of the first milkweed species to emerge and is suitable for prairie gardens.
5. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens)
Purple Milkweed, with its rosy magenta blooms, adds a pop of color to any garden. Preferring partial sun and consistent watering, it’s an attractive choice for collectors seeking unique milkweed varieties.
6. Sullivant’s Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii)
Sullivant’s Milkweed, also known as Prairie Milkweed, features delicate pink flowers and prefers full sun. Though it spreads slowly, its beauty is worth the wait, making it a lovely addition to butterfly gardens.
7. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Showy Milkweed is well-suited for dry, arid soils and boasts stunning star-shaped blooms. Drought-tolerant and reaching up to 3 feet tall, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners in the western U.S.
8. Antelope Horn Milkweed (Asclepias asperula)
Antelope Horn Milkweed, native to the Southwest, showcases unique seed heads resembling antelope horns. With its distinctive appearance and drought tolerance, it’s a favorite among gardeners in arid regions.
9. Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)
Short Green Milkweed thrives in hot, dry conditions and features pale green flowers that add a touch of elegance to gardens. Ideal for sandy or gravelly soil, it’s a low-maintenance option for monarch habitat restoration.
10. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)
Poke Milkweed is shade-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less sunlight. Its drooping clusters of white or purple flowers bloom from May to August, providing essential nectar for monarchs.