What Is Milkweed Related To?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Milkweed, (genus Asclepias), genus of about 140 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants belonging to the

dogbane family Apocynaceae

(formerly in Asclepiadaceae). Milkweeds are found throughout North and South America, and several are cultivated as ornamentals.

Is milkweed a berry?


Milkweeds do not have berries

like Pokeweed but large pods that contain seeds.

What plants are related to milkweed?

  • Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) …
  • Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) …
  • Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) …
  • Antelope-horns Milkweed (Asclepias asperula) …
  • Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) …
  • Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) …
  • California Milkweed (Asclepias californica)

Is butterfly plant the same as milkweed?


Butterfly weed

is a member of the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). The genus name Asclepias is named after the Greek god of medicine Asklepios.

What is the relationship between butterflies and milkweed?

There is a

symbiotic relationship

between the native milkweed plants and the monarch. The monarch butterflies enjoy the nectar from the flowers and help pollinate the plants. The successful pollination allows the milkweed to thrive and thus provide more nurseries for the crucial ‘fourth generation’ of monarchs.

Where should you not plant milkweed?

So the rule is: If you live along the California coast, plant nectar plants to support the monarchs migrating to and from

overwintering sites

; do not plant milkweed. It is best not to plant milkweed within 10 miles of an overwintering site.

What can I plant next to milkweed?

A few companion plants that come to mind include

Joe Pye weed

(Eupatorium maculatum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), coneflower (Echinacea), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia), bergamot (Monarda), goldenrod (Solidago), ironweed (Vernonia), and various asters.

Why is milkweed illegal?


Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people

. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Is milkweed poisonous to skin?

Milkweed sap can be very irritating to the skin but is also

very dangerous if

it gets in your eyes. This poison can cause corneal endothelial toxicity.

Is milkweed poisonous to humans?

Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides that

are poisonous to humans

, but the level of toxicity depends on the species, age, and how it’s prepared and eaten. … Milkweed poses the greatest danger to grazing animals, but there are reports that show that animals avoid it.

Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?

The Pet Poison Helpline reports that

milkweed is a moderate to severe poisoning in dogs and cats

, which means get to the vet as soon as you suspect your pet has ingested the plant, or even butterflies or caterpillars that eat milkweed.

Does milkweed come back every year?

These native milkweed are perennials, meaning

they come back year after year

. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter.

How many milkweed plants should I plant?

For gardens, we recommend that you plant about

20-30 milkweed plants per 100 square feet

. Milkweed plants should be spaced 1 foot apart, placed in clusters of 3-4 milkweeds.

Are Milkweeds poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the

plant are poisonous

. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.

What is butterfly life cycle?

The butterfly and moth develop through a process called metamorphosis. There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths:

egg, larva, pupa, and adult

. …

What if monarch caterpillars run out of milkweed?


Butterfly

Enthusiasts often run out of milkweed. If caterpillars are large, within a few days of pupation, they can be fed alternative food if milkweed can’t be found. …

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.