Milkweed - Vibrant and Vital Flora

By Scout Nelson

Each year, the National Garden Bureau selects several plants to highlight, and this year, the spotlight is on Asclepias, commonly known as milkweed. Named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, milkweed is renowned not just for its medicinal uses but also for its crucial role in the lifecycle of monarch butterflies.

North America is home to over 100 species of milkweed, with ten natives to North Dakota. These plants are typically found in sunny areas and ditches, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

Historically, Native Americans utilized milkweed fibers to create ropes and fabrics, and during World War II, the fluffy seeds were even used as filling for life preservers due to their buoyant properties. Nowadays, this floss is favored for hypoallergenic pillow and comforter fillings.

Milkweeds are not only historical plants but also vital to today's ecosystem, particularly for monarch butterflies. The leaves of the milkweed plant are the only food source for monarch caterpillars, providing them with essential nutrients and protection. The milky sap contains toxins that, when consumed by the caterpillars, make them less appealing to predators, offering a natural defense mechanism that ensures their survival.

For gardeners, while the common milkweed is known for its aggressive spread through rhizomes, making it less ideal for small gardens, it is excellent for controlling erosion with its robust root system.

On the other hand, butterfly weed, and swamp milkweed are preferable for more contained garden settings. Butterfly weed, with its vivid orange blooms, and swamp milkweed, with delicate pink flowers, cater to different garden conditions and aesthetic preferences.

Cultivating milkweed is straightforward, whether by direct seeding or transplanting. These plants are low-maintenance and establish quickly, making them perfect companions for native grasses and perennials like coneflowers. Their role as a pollinator plant cannot be overstated, providing much-needed support for local ecosystems.

Photo Credits:istock-herreid