Asclepias Wildflower Seeds

Milkweed is a prairie flower that belongs to the genus Asclepias. For many years, milkweed was considered a roadside and farm field pest. Now that the link between milkweed and butterflies is more common knowledge, these prairie flowers have become desirable garden plants.

Almost all milkweed plants produce a white, sticky sap that oozes freely when its stems or leaves are broken. This sap contains a semi-poisonous compound that can be toxic to animals when consumed in large quantities. Even in small amounts, the cardiac glycosides in milkweed will make birds and other smaller species quite sick.

It is this sap that is the key to the survival of the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars will eat ONLY milkweed foliage. Monarch caterpillars cannot survive on any other plant. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants after feeding on the nectar in their flowers. The caterpillars can safely grow to maturity on the asclepias plants. Predators will avoid both the plant and the brightly striped green/ black/white caterpillars.

Milkweed comes in several varieties, but the most popular are butterfly Weed and Pink Milkweed. Pink Milkweed is sometimes called Swamp Milkweed, but it is the same plant.These two varieties produce the showiest flowers and the strongest nectar. They are ideal prairie flowers to add to the home garden. Milkweed flowers will attract butterflies by the dozens. Every gardener who wants to encourage butterflies should plant several milkweed plants and let them spread.

Many gardeners grow prairie flowers in the city. In fact, this is the best place of all to plant a patch of milkweed or other prairie flower. Butterflies need good places to feed and to lay their eggs. Many butterflies dies each year because they become trapped in cities, where few nectar or host plants bloom. Every small prairie flower planting can be a haven for butterflies, and will help them survive.

Milkweed is easy to grow from seed in small spaces. One gardener grows milkweed on a balcony. He has made a tremendous difference in his community. His example is a great one for other city gardeners who want to explore the benefits of prairie flowers.

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly weed is the most popular of all garden milkweed flowers. Many people are not even aware that they are growing milkweed when they plant butterfly weed. Originally, this native prairie flower was known as pleurisy root for its perceived ability to heal the condition.

Distinctive bright orange flowers top long stems that have slender leaves along their entire length. Butterflies do love this plant; Monarchs love it most of all. Unlike butterfly bush, Butterfly Weed is truly beneficial because it also provides a host plant for monarch caterpillars.

Planting Butterfly weed helps adult butterflies, but more importantly, it also help ensure future generations of happy "flying jewels."

Ascepias incarnata

Contrary to what the name implies, Swamp Milkweed does not necessarily have to be in a wet location to thrive. If planted in regular garden soil, it can do very well with only occasional watering. Of course, the more water it receives, the larger and stronger it will grow. But since this plant tends to grow 4-5 feet tall, many gardeners cut it back early anyway.

This fabulous prairie flower is the favorite choice of monarch caterpillars becuase it has more tender leaves.

Asclepias syriaca

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This is the original milkweed that was viewed as an obnoxious pest for so long. It does not have flowers that are as large or noticeable as the other prairie flowers in the Asclepias category. However, it is a very strong plant that will thrive in dusty areas- such as near roadsides.

Common Milkweed will grow very tall, so it makes a better background plant, or meadow plant. Do not plant this variety in containers or try to transplant it. Common milkweed will create a six foot long taproot. If the root is severed while digging, the plant can die. If a container is too small, the root will become twisted, and the plant will not be as healthy as it could be in the ground.

Not to worry, though. Once established, common milkweed will live for years. It is also very easy to start from seed.

Prairie Milkweed Asclepias sullivanti

This plant does best in wet meadows. It prefers moist soil. It does look similar to common milkweed, but it has smoother stems and much more showy flowers. Birds love Prairie Milkweed. It was named after the great botanist William Sullivant, who discovered it.

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Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa

Note the tight cluster of flowers on this plant. It makes very large flowering balls, that definitely catch the eye with their beauty. This prairie flower blooms in summer. It does very well in mixed plantings and small meadows. Showy Milkweed does not need a lot of water.

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Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata

the leaves of this plant are arranged in a circle around the stem, giving the plant its common name. The flowers are small and greenish or white. they appear in flat-topped clusters, much like Queen Anne's Lace. This prairie flower will do best in a very sandy and dry location. Too much water and rich soil will likely cause it to develop weak stems and flop over.

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Tall Green Milkweed Asclepias hirtella

Spider Milkweed Asclepias viridis

All text and garden photo copyright (2010) by Jule Romans