My new favorite perennial

I was thrilled when milkweed popped up in my garden a few years ago. It started in the garden between my trees and the neighbors, where I was trying to grow as much catnip and lavender as I could manage. It just was there one year; with only a few plants. I left the plants alone and made sure they made it to the seed stage and had some patience. Years later, every one of my gardens has some milkweed living in it. It’s my new favorite perennial.

So milkweed, a plant that’s often mistaken for a weed or just a common wildflower, plays a vital role in the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Right? Who knew?

This plant is pretty impressive as a lifeline for monarch butterflies, providing both food and shelter during their remarkable migration. However, milkweed’s benefits extend far beyond the monarch butterfly.

A Haven for Pollinators

Milkweed is a magnet for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. They can’t stay away. Its vibrant flowers and abundant nectar make it an irresistible source of sustenance for these cute little creatures.

Supporting Biodiversity

By attracting pollinators, milkweed plays a part in helping to maintain a healthy balance in nature. Pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of many plants, including fruits and vegetables. If there are no pollinators, then there will be less food available. Yes, we could hand pollinate, but looking at the big picture, it’s better to just have the bugs and let them do what they do. Also on large food production scales, they are essential.

My food garden always does better (when I don’t completely ignore it * ahem) when I plant flowers that attract pollinators. Planting native perennials are the easiest way to get them to hang out in the garden.

Let’s talk Monarch Butterflies

Milkweed is a lifeline for monarch butterflies. This native plant serves as both food and shelter for these iconic insects. Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on milkweed leaves, while adult butterflies use it as a nectar source and resting place.

The Importance of Milkweed to Monarchs

• Food Source: Milkweed leaves are the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Without milkweed, monarch populations would decline drastically. We are seeing this already.
• Habitat: Adult monarchs use milkweed plants for nectar and shelter.
• Migration: Milkweed is crucial in the monarch butterfly’s annual migration. Monarchs use milkweed plants as a source of energy during their long journey to Mexico.

A Simple Act of Conservation

Planting milkweed in your garden or yard is the simplest way to contribute to the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Milkweed easily spreads year to year, as long as the pods are left to the wind on the plant or you can plant them manually once the pods dry out. Milkweed seeds need cold stratification (basically a period of cold so they don’t germinate too early) for spring planting, so you can spread the seeds in the late fall.