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Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. [4] [5] [6] Most species are toxic to humans and many other species, primarily due to the presence of cardenolides.
Jun 7, 2023 · Common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial that appeals to butterflies —especially the monarch butterfly. Asclepias is the only plant family that serves as the host plant for monarch butterfly egg laying. The monarch larvae, the hatchling caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.
Jun 1, 2024 · Milkweed, genus of about 140 species of herbaceous perennial plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Milkweeds are found throughout North and South America, and several are cultivated as ornamentals. Learn more about milkweed species and characteristics in this article.
Milkweed is a native wildflower beloved by monarch butterflies. There are a number of popular species suited for cultivation in the garden. Here’s how to plant, grow, and care for milkweed in your garden—and support butterflies!
L. Asclepias syriaca, commonly called common milkweed, butterfly flower, silkweed, silky swallow-wort, and Virginia silkweed, is a species of flowering plant. [1] [2] It is native to southern Canada and much of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the drier parts of the prairies. [3]
Milkweed. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. As such, milkweed is critical for the survival of monarchs. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle and their populations decline.
Aug 3, 2023 · Milkweed, scientifically called Asclepias, is a huge genus, with more than 140 species throughout the Americas. It’s the only plant that hosts and feeds monarch caterpillars. The name milkweed comes from the milky sap inside the stems and leaves. Learn the pros and cons of growing common milkweed.
Milkweed is a lovely wildflower and the sole host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Grow milkweed plants in your garden for colorful, fragrant and nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators of all sorts. Learn how to plant milkweed, get care tips and recommendations for which types to grow.
Milkweed, a vital plant in the Asclepias genus, is renowned for its crucial role in supporting monarch butterflies by providing a breeding ground and food source for their larvae. Featuring clusters of intricate flowers ranging from pink to orange, this native plant thrives in diverse habitats, contributing to ecological health and biodiversity.
Growing Milkweed: Tips at a Glance. Plant milkweed today. Asceplias syriaca (common milkweed) is a flowering perennial that is a vital host to the threatened monarch butterfly. Type Herbaceous perennial ; USDA Zones 3-9 ; Sun Full ; Soil & Water Needs vary by type ; Height 2-6 feet ; Bloom Color Pink, purple, orange ; Beware Invasive
