is milkweed deciduous

Is milkweed a perennial plant?

Common milkweed is a deciduous, native, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. It grows in average, well-drained soils in full sun but can tolerate poor or dry soils. It propagates easily by seed or root cuttings and will naturalize in the garden, taking up quite a bit of space.

What is the difference between milkweed and desert milkweed?

Often also called simply “desert milkweed” this one is different from the other desert milkweed by having large leathery leaves. This is a deciduous species. In the spring, the leaves come out fuzzy and silvery at first, and then become glabrous and leathery. This plant has deep tuberous roots which it dies back to, sometimes a few times a year.

Is common milkweed poisonous?

This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. Common milkweed is a deciduous, native, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family.

What does milkweed look like in the summer?

Common milkweed plants are tall (3 feet), thin, summer-bloomers. The flower cluster forms a globe atop the plant's rigid stem. The flowers come in various shades of pink, and they are fragrant flowers. Leaves are broad-oblong and light green.

Is milkweed an evergreen?

Excluding subspecies, there are 72 milkweed species native to the U.S. and Canada, at least 41 of which are found in the West. The vast majority of these perennial species are deciduous, although evergreen species do occur. In general, milkweeds typically flower between late spring and the end of summer.

What happens to milkweed in the winter?

Milkweed is native to the US, so our temperature and climate are well suited for the plant. Like most other flowering herbaceous plants, it flowers in the summer and dies back in the winter by itself. For those in milder climates, not much work is needed to get this plant to pop up again in the spring.

Do milkweed lose their leaves?

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. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.

Does milkweed go dormant in the winter?

They lay dormant in garden debris and snow through winter, and germinate perfectly in spring with milkweed plants everywhere by midsummer.

Should you cut down milkweed in the fall?

It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. Cutting back the milkweed will also help to eliminate OE spores that may be present on the plant.

Where should you not plant milkweed?

It is not recommended to plant milkweed within 10 miles of the coast in central and northern California where milkweed did not occur historically. Instead, plant a variety of flowers native to your region that provide nectar from early spring through fall to support monarchs and other pollinators.

Why do monarchs only eat milkweed?

Monarch caterpillars ONLY eat milkweed. In fact, the monarch butterfly is also known as the “milkweed butterfly.” The milkweed plant provides all the nourishment the monarch needs to transform the Monarch caterpillar into the adult butterfly.

Does milkweed spread fast?

It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Perennial. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a showier variety of Common Milkweed.

Why are monarchs not laying eggs on my milkweed?

Whichever it is, however, it should be a perfectly good milkweed host for monarch larvae. The reason you aren't seeing any eggs or larvae on it now is that the monarchs that you are flying now are migrants heading to Mexico and they are generally in reproductive diapause, i.e., they are not laying eggs.

Why are the leaves on my milkweed turning yellow and falling off?

Chlorosis is a yellowing of leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. Possible causes of chlorosis include poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiencies in the plant.

Is milkweed a perennial or annual?

perennialCommon milkweed is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to heights of 2 to 6 feet on solitary stalks. Milkweed gets its name from the milky sap contained in its leaves and stems. Chemicals in this sap can be poisonous to animals. However, milkweed is an important food source for the Monarch caterpillar.

Can I plant milkweed in February?

I've started milkweed seeds inside before with less than one month of 'refrigerator' cold stratification. Starting seeds by February should be more than enough time (in most regions) to create the desired outcome.

What happens to monarch caterpillars in winter?

First, the simple answer. For Monarchs and those that do not go into diapause as caterpillars, if the lows are above freezing and the day temperatures are above 65-70 F (18.33-21 C), they'll be fine. As cold-blooded critters, if temperatures drop too low, they'll literally freeze.

Is milkweed a perennial or annual?

perennialCommon milkweed is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to heights of 2 to 6 feet on solitary stalks. Milkweed gets its name from the milky sap contained in its leaves and stems. Chemicals in this sap can be poisonous to animals. However, milkweed is an important food source for the Monarch caterpillar.

Will milkweed grow back after caterpillars?

Yes, if your milkweed is established, it should regrow after it's eaten down by caterpillars.

How do you overwinter milkweed pots?

Container-grown milkweed can be overwintered in a building or garage and placed back outside in spring. Info suggests combining potted milkweeds with nectar-rich flowers in the same container to provide necessary nourishment to the Monarch and other butterflies.

What is milkweed leaf arrangement?

Leaf arrangement is opposite and is oblong in shape with reddish veins. Common milkweed not only provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators but is a larval host plant for Monarch butterflies. Native Americans used the milkweed plant for fiber sources.

What plant was used to make life jackets?

Native Americans used the milkweed plant for fiber sources. Life jackets were made from the coma of the seeds during WWII. Today, coma is used for pillows and blankets.

Can milkweed be left alone?

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems but can be weedy. Milkweed-feeding aphids are common, though can be left alone and will attract beneficial insects that will feed on them. It does not tolerate shade. The bark, flower, seed pods, leaves, roots, and stems are poisonous, which can be a problem for cats, dogs, and horses.

Is milkweed a perennial?

Common mil kweed is a deciduous, native, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. It grows in average, well-drained soils in full sun but can tolerate poor or dry soils. It propagates easily by seed or root cuttings and will naturalize in the garden, taking up quite a bit of space.

How big is Milkweed?

Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed) is an erect perennial boasting intricate clusters, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), of pink, white, or cream colored flowers from late spring to mid fall. Their corollas fold back so that the hoods stand erect over them.

How do milkweeds get their name?

Milkweeds get their name from the milky sap that exudes from the leaves and stems when they are cut or bruised. All Milkweeds except Asclepias tuberosa produce this milky sap.

How long does Asclepias lanceolata bloom?

Asclepias lanceolata (Fewflower Milkweed) is an erect perennial wildflower prized for its umbels of 5-12 bright orange-yellow flowers adorned with a red corolla. Blooming for weeks from early to late summer, they sit atop long, slender purplish stems, clad with narrow, opposite, lanceolate leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). The colorful umbels give way to seed pods that dry and split open as the fruit matures. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies. Fewflower Milkweed is best suited for moist to wet landscapes.

What is the best flower to grow in the shade?

Shade tolerant, Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of white to pink flowers produced in summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks. Strikingly aromatic when in bloom, they are a great source of nectar for butterflies. They are followed by beautiful elongated seed pods. The leaves are opposite, long stalked, broadly elliptical, with pointed tips. They can be up to 8 in. long (20 cm). During the fall, each seed pod splits open along one side to release its seeds. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings.

How much sun does milkweed need?

By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects! Most Asclepias require full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and perform well in average garden soil. Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) is an exception as it prefers medium to wet soils.

What is the name of the flower that grows in the spring?

Asclepias cordifolia (Heart leaf Mil kweed) Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of dark pink to dark purple flowers produced in late spring to mid summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks.

When does Asclepias viridis bloom?

Blooming from late spring to midsummer, the flowers are borne on sturdy stems clad with long, narrow, pale green leaves, often folded lengthwise. They give way to seed pods that contain seeds attached to a fine silk. When the pod splits open, the silk catches the breeze and flies away, carrying the seed.

What is milkweed?

Common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial whose main virtue is its appeal to butterflies —especially the monarch, which deposits its eggs on the milkweed. When the caterpillars hatch, they feed on the leaves of milkweed. Common milkweed plants grow to about 2 to 4 feet in height, with a thin, vertical growth habit.

What is milkweed attractive to?

Attractive to Monarch Butterflies. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial whose main virtue is its appeal to butterflies —especially the monarch, ...

How many types of milkweed are there in the US?

There are over 100 native species of milkweed plants in the United States, including common milkweed. In addition to common milkweed, here are some of the most popular types of milkweed within the Asclepias genus, which come in different heights and colors:

How to propagate milkweed?

Propagating common milkweed by taking cuttings can be easier than dividing rhizomes because milkweed tends to grow deep taproots, which can be tricky to dig up. With cuttings , you can create new plants in a short period of time which is ideal if you want to get a quick start to creating your butterfly garden. Here are the steps for propagating milkweed plants with cuttings:

How tall does milkweed grow?

Common milkweed plants grow to about 2 to 4 feet in height, with a thin, vertical growth habit. The long, oblong leaves are light green and grow to about 8 inches long. The stems and leaves bleed a milky sap when cut, which gives the plant its name. In late spring to mid-summer, fragrant clusters of pink-purple flowers appear.

What are the bugs that eat milkweed?

The usual suspects are attracted to common milkweed, including milkweed bugs (which don't do too much harm, in fact), aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and leaf miners. Hose, spray from a bottle, or use fingernails to scrape off the offenders. Snails and slugs also love young tender milkweed plants. Snail bait works well and won't harm monarchs, but as the plants grow, the snail problem minimizes.

What are milkweed seed pods used for?

This is not a particularly attractive plant, but in addition to its value in attracting butterflies, the seed pods can be used in dried flower arrangements. The flowers are also quite fragrant, and gardeners specializing in native species often grow milkweed.

How to Plant and Grow Milkweed

Milkweed is a native wildflower beloved by monarch butterflies. There are a number of popular species suited for cultivation in the garden. Here’s how to plant, grow, and care for milkweed in your garden—and support butterflies!

About Milkweed

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the best known species of the over 100 perennial milkweed species native to North America. Milkweed plants support 12 species of butterflies and moths, including the Monarch butterfly.

Where is milkweed found?

And there are even more species in neighboring states in the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is good to know what kind of milkweed you are getting so you know the appropriate growing conditions it will need.

How hardy is desert broadleaf milkweed?

They are reputed to be hardy to 20°F, but the tops will get damaged in the upper 20s. Low to moderate water when established. desert broadleaf milkweed Asclepias erosa. Often also called simply “desert milkweed” this one is different from the other desert milkweed by having large leathery leaves.

Is the tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) bad?

Not necessarily. But you have to be careful about the plant you buy. There are many articles on the internet that talk about problems with the tropical milkweed, but those articles are aimed at an audience in a different climate. Here are some of the things you should know about tropical milkweed.

Are some milkweed more desirable than others for monarchs?

The simple answer is yes. But it’s more complicated than that. All milkweeds are beneficial to monarchs as they have evolved together. But it depends on where the monarch has just migrated from. We are in a zone where monarchs squeeze through from a wide zone and fan out again below us (like the middle of an hour glass). Monarchs can be coming from California. Or they may be coming from the great basin. They can be coming from Mexico. Depending on where they just were and what they’ve been using as a larval host previous to finding us, they may prefer one kind of milkweed over another. One person will have a pineleaf milkweed (Asclepias linaria) that is loaded with caterpillars often, while other people’s pineleaf milkweed seems to never have them. Or you might have a plant that seems to never have caterpillars, and then one year, they’re loaded with them. This is due to the seasonality and pathways taken by monarchs—and it isn’t the same every year.

Why are milkweeds so popular?

Milkweeds (plants in the genus Asclepias) have become incredibly popular recently—partly because of the enthusiasm for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) which highly depends on the diversity of this plant throughout its migrational region (as a larval host plant AND a nectar source). Milkweeds aren’t just for the monarchs; they are larval ...

What is the parasite that eats milkweed?

You will read about the protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (you can call it OE for short) which is a huge problem in the north on the tropical milkweed. You see, the native species of milkweed in places like the midwestern or the northeastern United States can sometimes be difficult to obtain.

What are the aphids in my yard?

But also in those masses of aphids are the larvae of green lacewing, hover flies, lady bugs, many parasitoid wasps, and more.

What is milkweed?

These are so easy to grow that for a long time they were considered annoying weeds instead of desirable flowers. Milkweeds are perennials and are found over much of North America.

How tall does milkweed grow?

Common milkweed ( A. syriaca) Tall stalks of common milkweed, growing mainly to 5 feet but occasionally to as much as 8 feet, contrast with shorter butterfly weed. Balls of small pink-to-purple flowers appear only in summer. This variety needs a lot of sunlight; don’t place it near areas that get any shade.

What is the best flower to grow in the western half of North America?

Showy milkweed ( A. speciosa) This is a good choice for the western half of North America. Ball-shaped clusters of flowers that are star-shaped and usually blush or rosy pink bloom in summer. This is another sun-loving plant that needs water.

Where does purple milkweed grow?

This purple milkweed is native to central and southern California , and it prefers drier areas. It is drought-tolerant and grows to only about 3 feet. A distinguishing feature is the white fuzz that covers its stems.

Where does milkweed grow in Texas?

Texas milkweed ( A. texana) This grows in the higher elevations of western and southwestern Texas, such as around the Trans-Pecos region and the Edwards Plateau. This is the only white milkweed that grows in the state.

Do milkweeds need full sun?

It likes moister areas like river banks despite not needing a lot of water, so if your yard is near a stream, this might be a great variety for you. It does need full sun and well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic. 6. California milkweed ( A. californica)

When does butterfly weed bloom?

The clusters of flowers have flat tops. This is a short variety that reaches only 2 feet in height. It needs full sun and well-draining soil; it’s also drought-tolerant. It can bloom from May to September, so be sure to deadhead the plant regularly to promote more blooming.

What is milkweed used for?

Milkweed s are most often used to create a butterfly garden. A wide variety of trees and shrubs can be used including Madrone ( Arbutus menziesii ), Pines ( Pinus sp. ), Junipers ( Juniperus sp. ), Manzanita ( Arctostaphylos sp. ), Ceanothus sp., Oaks ( Quercus sp. ), and Coyote Brush ( Baccharis sp. ). Also include other butterfly-attracting herbs such as members of the Asteraceae family, other Milkweed s ( Asclepias fascicularis or speciosa), thistles ( Cirsium sp. ), Buckwheat ( Eriogonum sp. ), Mint ( Monardella sp. ), and Sage ( Salvia sp. ). Mix early bloomers with late bloomers and evergreens with deciduous to provide year-round attraction.

Where does Asclepias californica grow?

It is native to California and northern Baja California from the East Bay region southward and the foothills of the Sierras. It is a flowering perennial with thick, white, woolly stems which bend ...

What is milkweed used for?

Milkweed has been used by indigenous peoples for swelling and rashes, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. However, cardiac glycosides have narrow therapeutic windows, meaning small changes in dosage can result in large differences in toxicity.

How old is the woman who drank milkweed?

A 46-year-old woman placed cut milkweed into a jar of water. She eventually removed the milkweed from the jar but forgot to dump out the water. She later drank from the jar. She took a dose of Pepto Bismol before calling Poison Control.

How to treat eye irritation from milkweed?

If your skin comes into contact with milkweed sap, you should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If someone experiences eye irritation after getting sap in their eye, gently rinse the eye with room temperature water for 10–15 minutes. If there are any persistent skin or eye pain or symptoms, seek medical examination and treatment.

Where are Asclepias native to?

There are over 200 species in the Asclepias genus that are native to Africa, North America, and South America.

Where are the toxic glycosides found in plants?

All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides. The highest concentrations of cardiac glycosides are found in the sap, followed by the stems, leaves, and roots. The plant is most toxic just before it reaches maturity. Cardiac glycoside-containing plants have been used since ancient times for medical purposes.

Can milkweed cause coma?

Severe toxicity includes seizures, heart rhythm changes, and severe slowing of the heart rate. Milkweed can cause coma and respiratory paralysis, which can lead to death. The sap from the plant can also cause skin and eye irritation. If your skin comes into contact with milkweed sap, you should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly ...

Does milkweed kill monarch butterflies?

Milkweed grows throughout the US and is essential for the survival of monarch butterflies. All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts.

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