Common, Milkweed Seed
Common Milkweed Seed
- Classic native host plant sustains monarch caterpillars
- Fragrant pink flower globes feed diverse pollinators
- Drought-tolerant colonies spread through underground rhizomes
- Ideal for meadows and larger naturalized gardens
Key Attributes
About Common, Milkweed Seed, Milkweed Seed
The Common Asclepias, also known as Butterfly Weed or Common Milkweed, is the only plant that Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on! This variety provides an abundant food source for Monarchs, but have been declining in the recent years due in part to suburban development and the increased efficiency of herbicides. The Common Asclepias spreads readily by seed and underground rhizomes and its taproot can withstand drought. This Butterfly Weed is one of the easiest and fastest to establish of the Milkweeds. Enjoy watching beautiful Monarchs visit on a daily basis!
Growing details
Plant profile
Seed & variety
Before Planting
Planting
Watering
Fertilizer
Harvesting
Tips
Pests & Diseases
Milkweed may develop leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, or viral mosaics. Minor spotting usually needs only sanitation, but persistent mottling, distortion, or stunting warrants whole-plant removal. Avoid moving symptomatic plants among pollinator gardens, thin dense colonies, and clean tools before collecting pods or propagating roots.
Milkweed can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.
Native States & Regions
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Native regions: Great Lakes, Midwest, New England, Northeast
Its Role in the Native Ecosystem
Common Milkweed supports monarch caterpillars on its leaves and provides nectar for many flower-visiting insects. Its spreading colonies also sustain other milkweed-associated insects, forming a broader food web. Give it room to expand, and avoid unnecessary insecticide use that would undermine its role as a host plant.
Common Milkweed Native Range Map
Native range describes natural occurrence, not the origin of this seed lot or every location where a plant can be grown.
Alaska and Hawaii are shown as insets. State-level range does not mean a plant occurs throughout every part of that state.
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