Spotlight on Common Milkweed

There are a number of reasons we love Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) which is why we include them in almost all of our seed packets!
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To name just a few: It is resilient, easy to grow, and Monarchs LOVE it.
We've compiled your FAQ into one article so we can help to answer all your questions about Common Milkweed!

Who feeds on Common Milkweed?

​It is among the most important food sources for monarch butterfly caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) in the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Not only does it benefit our beloved Monarch Butterflies, but more than 450 insect species feed on A. syriaca, including flies, beetles, ants, bees, wasps, and butterflies. 

Refer to the above map by the Xerxes Society for a visual of Common Milkweed's Native Range. The dark green represents where it is native and commonly occurs. The bright green represents where it is reported to commonly occur naturally.

Where is Common Milkweed NOT Native?

It's easiest to start where Common Milkweed is NOT native since it's native range covers 39 US states and several Canadian provinces.

If you live in California, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho or, New Mexico or Nevada you should plant another species of milkweed that is native to your area.

It is important to learn which milkweeds are native to your region: please consult these milkweed range maps from the Biota of North America Program’s (BONAP) North American Plant Atlas. Once you have figured out which species of milkweed are native to your area, you can use the Milkweed Finder Tool to find out where to buy Milkweed seeds and plants. 

Where is Common Milkweed Native?

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV

Canada: MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , QC , SK
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Native Distribution: Saskatchewan to New Brunswick; south to Georgia; west through Tennessee to Kansas and Iowa.

What kind of habitat does Common Milkweed prefer?

​Among the milkweeds, this species is the best at colonizing in disturbed sites. Within its range it can be found in a broad array of habitats from croplands, to pastures, roadsides, ditches and old fields.

It is surprisingly rare in prairies in the Midwest being found mostly in disturbed sites within these habitats. As an indigenous species of the southern Great Plains, it has all the attributes of what some ecologists call a “fugitive species”. That is, one whose appearance and persistence is dependent on disturbance due to its inability to compete with other vegetation. In the northern parts of its range it seems to be a more permanent member of the floral communities.

How do you grow Common Milkweed?

Fall Planting

Fall is the best time for planting milkweed seeds. The seeds won't germinate until spring because they require a cold stratification period. This process stops seedlings from emerging too soon and freezing in the winter cold. You can plant the seeds from September 1 up until the soil freezes. Prepare your soil by removing existing vegetation, if present, and loosen soil with a rake. You may want to add some compost, if you have any available. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. They will come up in spring when conditions are right for them to grow.

Spring Planting 

Spring planting takes a little more work because you will need to mimic the natural freezing and thawing cycle. At least six weeks before you are going to plant the seeds in spring, obtain two paper towels, wet them and then wring out excess water. Place one of the paper towels inside a one-gallon, zip-close plastic bag. Scatter the milkweed seeds over this paper towel. Cover the seeds with the second damp paper towel. Zip the plastic bag closed and place it flat in your refrigerator. Leave it undisturbed for at least six weeks. When you are ready to plant, prepare the soil by removing existing vegetation, if present, and loosen soil with a rake. You may want to add some compost, if you have any available. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. When they come up, keep the soil moist until the plants are well established.

How do you identify Common Milkweed?

Please refer to my blog on How to Identify Milkweed Quickly and Confidently. This blog describes how to identify milkweed using the Pattern's method. 
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In a nutshell, milkweed can be spotted by secreting a milky sap (except for Butterfly Milkweed) and opposite or sometimes whorled leaves. There are 5 separate sepals (petal-like leaves) and 5 fused petals. The corona (circle of petals around the center of the flower) contains 5 hooded forms facing inwards. Inside the corona there are 5 stamens (male parts) fused to the ovary (female part). The pods are filled with many seeds with silky tufts. 

If you have any other milkweed-related questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us! I can be contacted at [email protected] or you can comment below.

Resources

Growing Common Milkweed Plants
https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/atoz/seedinstr.html

Xerxes Society
https://www.xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-seed-finder#:~:text=The%20Biota%20of%20North%20America,native%20to%20Alaska%20and%20Hawaii).

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSY

Milkweed Finder Tool
https://xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-seed-finder

Milkweed Guide
https://xerces.org/milkweed

BONAP North American Plant Atlas
https://bonap.net/NAPA/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Asclepias