Let’s explore the remarkable Milkweed (Asclepias) family, a variety of plants that often go unnoticed and may be hard to find at traditional nurseries yet play a critical role in our natural world. Here, I’d like to underscore the importance of milkweeds in all their diversity and why you should include them in your native plantings.
Getting to Know Milkweeds
Before delving into their ecological significance, let’s get acquainted with the plants at the center of our discussion. Milkweeds, ranging from the widely recognized Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to the versatile Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and the showy Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), are perennials native to North America. They stand out with their sturdy stems, distinctive leaves, and clustered flowers. Their nectar is a sweet treat that’s irresistible to many pollinators, and the sweet, vanilla scent on a still summer evening is remarkable.
There are other varieties to consider as well, including Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias vertillata) and Red Milkweed (Asclepias rubra). In fact, there are 73 species of native milkweeds in the United States, many of which are rare, threatened, or endangered. Monarch butterflies utilize about 30 of these species as host plants, so you do have choices beyond the Common Milkweed, which can be a challenging variety in a typical home garden.
The Milkweed-Monarch Connection
Milkweed’s importance is deeply tied to its relationship with the incredible Monarch butterfly. The butterfly’s lifecycle is unique and fascinating, and milkweed plays an integral role. Monarch caterpillars depend exclusively on milkweed plants for nourishment and shelter. It’s simple – without milkweed, there would be no Monarchs.
This lifecycle begins when monarch butterflies lay their eggs solely on milkweed plants, including Common milkweed, Swamp milkweed, and Butterfly weed (please do NOT confuse this with the non-native, invasive Butterfly Bush).
After hatching, the caterpillars feed on the milkweed leaves, storing the plant’s toxins, which deter potential predators. These caterpillars then transform into the spectacular monarch butterflies known for their extraordinary migratory journey spanning thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to Mexico.
The survival of these migratory wonders is deeply linked to the availability of milkweed along their migration route. Monarchs depend on these plants to lay eggs, thus fostering the growth of the next generation of butterflies.
More Than Just Monarchs
The relationship between milkweed and monarchs is significant, but milkweed’s role doesn’t stop there. These plants offer valuable habitats for a wide variety of creatures, including a host of insects, birds, and small mammals. Essentially, milkweeds create mini-ecosystems within themselves, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for numerous species. I am surprised daily when I visit my milkweed plants. There is always something going on!
Milkweed also plays a role in maintaining the health of our soil and water. As with nearly all native plants, they have an extensive root system that helps prevent soil erosion and enhances soil quality. Acting as natural filters, milkweeds reduce runoff and safeguard water sources from harmful pollutants.
The Threat to Milkweeds and How You Can Help
Despite their immense importance, milkweed populations have fluctuated over the years, with the use of glyphosate and agriculture affecting some of the populations. However, there is some research that indicates milkweed is not experiencing a significant decline. Factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and land development threaten these vital plants, leading to effects on Monarch butterfly populations since is their sole host plant.
As scientists research these fluctuations and debate whether or not the monarch should be listed as an endangered species or not, I am going to simply recommend you plant milkweeds because they are fascinating plants, they do host Monarch caterpillars, and they are continually alive with action. And, the common milkweed smells so good you won’t believe it.
But there’s hope. We all can contribute to the conservation of milkweeds and, consequently, the rich biodiversity they support. Planting various types of milkweed in our gardens, parks, and public spaces can help provide the critical habitats these plants offer to a range of pollinators and other wildlife.
I encourage you to ask for native plants at your local nurseries and to purchase plants from local native plant vendors. There is a milkweed ideal for planting on some part of your property. Common Milkweed isn’t ideal for smaller, or more formal garden settings, but you may find the amazing Butterfly Weed a great option.
Just keep in mind, Monarchs require more than milkweed! They do require them as host plants for their caterpillars, but they need a variety of native plants blooming at different times of the year to fuel their efforts and their long journey. Consider goldenrods, asters, coneflowers and much more. Please reference the detailed list from the Xerces Society on their website for Monarch nectar plants. They even have a Milkweed Finder!
Another source (and there are plenty now) is Joyful Butterfly. They are committed to providing a one-stop shop for butterfly gardening, check it out.
Final Thoughts
The Milkweed family, from Common to Butterfly to Red Milkweed, are far more than pretty plants—they’re key threads in the complex tapestry of our natural world. Understanding their significance and taking steps to safeguard their existence ensures the health and vibrancy of our ecosystems.
We invite you to join the Native Plant Movement. Let’s plant, protect, and preserve these vital milkweed species to ensure a thriving future for our ecosystems and the countless species they sustain.
You can go native by planting milkweeds!
Related Resources
- Xerces Society Monarch Nectar Plant Guides
- Xerces Society Milkweed Seed Finder
- My Butterfly Lady (on Facebook)
- Joyful Butterfly
- Remove Invasives
- Plant Natives
- Banish Pesticides
- Reduce Lawn
Need Help Going Native?
There are a lot of “rules” we’ve been told over the years and some hard-and-fast beliefs that we’ve developed as homeowners and gardeners. If you’d like help to understand a more eco-friendly, natural, and beneficial method, please reach out to learn more, and we can go native together!