Milkweed is not just another plant; it’s a lifeline for monarch butterflies. As monarch populations decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use, planting milkweed has become crucial for their survival. In this article, we’ll explore eight types of milkweed that can help support monarch butterflies throughout their lifecycle,.
1. Common Milkweed
Common milkweed is a tall, summer-blooming plant that thrives in open spaces with full sunlight. Found in 39 states, it produces clusters of pink flowers and is vital for monarch caterpillars. While it spreads rapidly, providing ample space allows it to flourish without crowding other plants.
2. Swamp Milkweed
Swamp milkweed is characterized by vibrant magenta and white flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Preferring shade and moist soil, this variety adds a splash of color to wetland habitats and provides essential nectar for adult monarch butterflies.
3. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed, with its warm gold and orange hues, is a beacon for monarchs. Blooming from May to September across 41 states, its flat-topped clusters attract butterflies and other pollinators. This drought-tolerant plant is a must-have for any butterfly garden.
4. Whorled Milkweed
Whorled milkweed stands out with its delicate, needle-like leaves and pale cream blooms. This prairie plant adds an elegant touch to gardens and landscapes, providing monarchs with a reliable source of food and shelter.
5. Purple Milkweed
With its striking purple flowers, purple milkweed is a favorite among gardeners and monarch enthusiasts. Thriving in loamy soil with moderate light, it may take time to establish but rewards patience with its beauty and value to monarchs.
6. Sullivant’s Milkweed/Prairie Milkweed
Sullivant’s milkweed, resembling small pink columbines, prefers full sun and slightly damp soil. Growing up to three feet tall, it provides monarchs with essential resources while adding charm to prairie habitats.
7. Showy Milkweed
Showy milkweed lives up to its name with bold clusters of pink flowers. Growing in dry, arid soils with good drainage, it attracts monarchs and other pollinators. This resilient plant is a favorite among gardeners in the western United States.
8. Antelope Horn Milkweed/Spider Milkweed
Native to the Southwest, antelope horn milkweed is a complex and intricate variety. Growing up to two feet tall and wide, its unique seed heads resemble horns and provide monarchs with essential habitat and food sources.
