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.
- 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. ...
