Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca, A. incarnata, A. tuberosa
Milkweed is an erect plant with showy, yellow-orange, pink-to purple, or green flower clusters. Perfect in pollinator or native gardens or in perennial beds, it is the larval host for monarch butterflies and provides nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. *Tropical milkweed (A. curassavica) is often sold in nurseries and is NOT recommended to attract monarch butterflies. Choose native milkweeds as listed above. Milkweed is mildly toxic and sap can cause contact dermatitus. Plant with caution around pets and horses.
How to Grow Milkweed
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Growing from Seed
Pot seeds in moist soils or between damp paper towels to cold stratify (refrigerate) for 3-12 weeks. Make sure to transplant seedlings before they become rootbound. Milkweed will self-seed in the garden. You can also take root cuttings to multiply plants.
Planting Considerations
Milkweed is drought tolerant and does well in poor, dry soil.
Harvesting
Harvest stems for bouquets when 1/3 to 1/2 of the flowers are open.
