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9 Best Milkweed to Grow for Monarch Butterflies (Save the Migration!)
Monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed, so planting it is one of the best ways to support the migration. These 9 best milkweed to grow for monarch butterflies cover different regions, soils and garden sizes.
Milkweed by condition
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Dry, sunny | Butterfly weed, whorled, antelope horns |
| Wet or heavy soil | Swamp milkweed |
| Western US | Showy milkweed |
| Eastern and central US | Common, purple, butterfly weed |
| Southern plains | Green milkweed, antelope horns |
Best milkweed species
- Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) for large, scented flower heads.
- Butterfly weed (A. tuberosa) for bright orange flowers in dry soil.
- Swamp milkweed (A. incarnata) for pink flowers in moist beds.
- Tropical milkweed (A. curassavica), best cut back in autumn in warm areas.
- Showy milkweed (A. speciosa) for western gardens.
- Whorled milkweed (A. verticillata) for a fine-leaved, compact plant.
- Purple milkweed (A. purpurascens) for deep rose flowers in part shade.
- Green milkweed (A. viridis) for the southern plains.
- Antelope horns (A. asperula) for dry, rocky southwest soils.
Tip: Milkweed sap is toxic and can irritate skin and badly hurt eyes, so wear gloves, wash hands after handling and never rub your eyes; keep plants away from grazing animals and pets that chew plants, and never use pesticides on or near milkweed because they harm caterpillars.
FAQ
Which milkweed is best for monarchs?
The one native to your region, such as common, swamp or showy milkweed.
Is tropical milkweed bad for monarchs?
In warm areas it can encourage disease if left all winter, so cut it back in autumn or choose a native species.
How do I grow milkweed from seed?
Many species need cold stratification, so sow outside in autumn or chill seeds for several weeks.
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