Magnificent Milkweed!

When it comes to the topic of intriguing plants, Milkweed (Asclepias) should definitely be included in the conversation. It also deserves a spot in your landscape as it is the only host plant for monarch larvaes which we all know turns into the beautiful monarch butterfly!

Why is milkweed so magnificent? The monarch larvae feed off the sap from the leaves, which is very toxic to most other insects, however to the monarch larvae it is what protects them from predators as it helps to make their bodies brightly colored, which says, "STAY AWAY" to predators.

While monarchs are the number one insect that feed off of milkweed, you may have seen another insect enjoying the sap from your plant as well. This is the "Red Milkweed Beetle". Again, a brightly colored insect that warns others to keep away.

In spring, Milkweed yields a beautiful bright flower that ranges from red, pink to orange.

Milkweed is easy to grow in well drained soil and in a sunny to partly shady location. It's an easily reseeded plant as later in summer, early fall, the plant will form a large pod that bursts open with large seeds that can be shared with your friends or simply spread to other areas of your garden!