Milkweed plants are essential to many ecosystems , bring home the bacon habitat and food for pollinator , especially crowned head butterflies . With37 types of milkweedfound across North America , these plant vary in size , flower colour , and turn conditions . Whether you ’re a gardener seem to attract butterflies or a conservationist aiming to support aboriginal metal money , understand differenttypes of milkweedcan aid you make the best alternative for your region .
Eachtype of milkweedhas unique characteristic , from the well - love Common Milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) to the frail Swamp Milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) . Some thrive in dry , sandy soils , while others prefer damp environments . Many mintage are perennials , return twelvemonth after twelvemonth to provide nectar and shelter for insects and wildlife .
In this guide , we ’ll explore37 types of silkweed , highlight their distinct features , ideal growing condition , and USDA hardiness zone . Whether you ’re concerned in native species for your garden or simply want to learn more about these fascinating plants , this list will help you identify and appreciate the multifariousness of milkweed .
Different Types of Milkweed
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) is one of the most visually spectacular milkweed species , producing brilliant orange or chicken flowers that digest out in meadows and gardens . Unlike most milkweeds , it miss the signature milklike sap , and its sturdy stems financial support clusters of nectar - productive efflorescence . It ’s a magnet for butterfly , bees , and hummingbirds , making it a favorite for pollinator garden .
This coinage prosper in USDA zones3 - 9and prefers full sun with well - drained , sandy , or rocky soils . passing drought - resistant once established , Butterfly Weed requires little care and does not spread out aggressively . Its recondite taproot take in it difficult to transpose , so starting from seed or selecting a permanent location is best .
Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed ( Asclepias purpurascens ) is a rare and visually spectacular species , stand out with its deep purple , sweetly fragrant peak clusters . It closely resemble Common Milkweed but with more vibrant colouration and a more compact growth habit . find in meadows , woodland edges , and open prairies , it provides essential ambrosia for butterfly and other pollinators .
Growing in USDA zones3 - 9 , Purple Milkweed prefer full sunlight to fond shade and well - drained grease . It spreads by both seeds and rhizomes but is less aggressive than Common Milkweed . Due to habitat loss , this species is consider rare in portion of its range of a function , nominate conservation efforts and garden cultivation especially worthful .
White Milkweed
White Milkweed ( Asclepias variegata ) is a distinctive specie be intimate for its spheric clusters of about 30 low , bloodless flowers . ab initio unripened , the bloom bud turn snowy before bloom , with subtle purple tinges at the fundament , earn it the soubriquet “ Redring Milkweed . ” These fragrant heyday are rich in nectar , appeal bee , white Anglo-Saxon Protestant , butterfly stroke , and ants .
flourish in USDA zones3 - 9 , White Milkweed favor fond shade , often growing along timber edges and in open timberland . In garden preferences , it flourishes in sandy or rough , well - drained dirt . Unlike many other milkweeds , it does not imprint large dependency , making it less critical for Monarch caterpillars , though they may occasionally employ it . Due to home ground loss , this coinage is endangered in some areas , but it can be successfully cultivated from seminal fluid .
Poke Milkweed
Poke Milkweed ( Asclepias exaltata ) is unequalled for its drooping efflorescence clusters , which resemble the elegant limb of a weeping willow . Each clustering contains about ten blossom , typically white with a green or lavender tint . The plant ’s dark unripe leaves have striking purplish veins , adding to its decorative appealingness .
This perennial grows in USDA zones3 - 9and prefers fond shade to full sunlight . It thrives in soil with moderate moisture and rich organic matter , make it an excellent choice for forest gardens . A host plant for Monarch caterpillars , it also supports other butterfly like Great Spangled Fritillaries , Tiger Swallowtails , and Pearl Crescents . Its nectar - productive blooms attract various bee and butterflies throughout the summer .
Green Comet Milkweed
Green Comet Milkweed ( Asclepias viridiflora ) is an adaptable coinage named for its pale green flower bunch , which form in the leaf axils . Each bunch incorporate 20 to 80 small flowers , emitting a cherubic fragrance that draw pollinators . The plant ’s leaf vary in shape , with those in dry home ground being farsighted and narrow , while those in moist areas are rounder .
Hardy in USDA zones3 - 10 , this milkweed grows in light to moderate spook and prosper in sandy , rocky , or well - drained soils . Its cryptic taproot makes it highly drouth - tolerant and ideal for gloomy - alimony gardens . Unlike many milkweeds , it does not spread aggressively , get it suited for smaller spaces . Though not a elementary Monarch server , it still provides nectar for bee and butterfly , put up to local biodiversity .
Showy Milkweed
Showy Milkweed ( Asclepias speciosa ) endure up to its name with its striking pink and white flower clusters , resemble crowns . The bloom are highly fragrant and serve as an important nectar author for butterflies , bees , and hummingbirds . This specie can grow up to 6 feet in ideal conditions , though it typically stick between 1.5 to 3 human foot tall .
Growing in USDA zones3 - 8 , Showy Milkweed is well - suit to a mixture of soils and is extremely drought - resistant . It spreads less aggressively than Common Milkweed , making it easier to supervise in garden . Monarch Butterflies trust on this plant for both nectar and as a legion for their caterpillars , while other butterflies like Queens and Viceroys also frequent its blooms .
Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) is what most people opine when they hear “ milkweed . ” This widespread perennial is hardy and improbable , with broad , oval - shape leaves that release a sticky , milky sap when split . The fragrant pink to over-embellished prime produce in rounded clump and later modernise into stretch seed pods , which divide open in fall to release downy , air current - hold seeded player .
adapt to USDA hardiness zones3 - 9 , Common Milkweed thrives in full sun and brook various grime types , including Lucius DuBignon Clay , loam , and sand . It spreads through secret rhizomes and ego - seeding , making it ideal for naturalize areas but sometimes invasive in garden . This species is crucial for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars and supports over 450 native louse coinage .
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed ( Asclepias verticillata ) is easy recognize by its lithe , needle - like leave , often mistaken for grass . Its blanched or greenish flowers blossom in flat clump from late bound to early fall , pull a various regalia of pollinators , including butterfly , bee , andbeetles . Unlike other species , its tenuous , stringy stems avail it blend seamlessly into prairie and meadows .
prosper in USDA zones3 - 10 , Whorled Milkweed grow in juiceless , well - run out soil and stand partial ghost . It ’s one of the last milkweeds to exit back in fall , pass water it an important belated - time of year food source for Monarch caterpillars . However , it disseminate aggressively through both seed and hush-hush rhizomes and is considered toxic to livestock .
Desert Milkweed
Desert Milkweed ( Asclepias erosa ) is well - adapted to arid surroundings , commonly find on ironic slopes and sandy washes . It sport loggerheaded , waxy stems that help retain wet , with leaf that vary from legato to thickly hairy . This specie produces globe - same clusters of pallid yellow or white flowers from late spring to early summer , serving as an all important ambrosia source in desert ecosystems .
uprise in USDA zones4 - 11 , Desert Milkweed prefersfull sunand well - drain , nutrient - pitiable soils . Its deep taproot reserve it to survive extreme drought conditions , making it a great choice for xeriscaping . Besides Monarch Butterflies , this species also fend for Queen Butterflies and native moths , contributing to desert pollinator diverseness .
Green Milkweed
Green Milkweed ( Asclepias viridis ) is a low - grow species often found in prairie , roadsides , and unfastened discipline . Its flower appear in small clusters , with whitened or yellow - greenish petals and a purple pinch at the center . The plant ’s broad , deep green leaves counterpoint beautifully with its frail blooms .
Hardy in USDA zones4 - 9 , Green Milkweed prefers full sun and thrive in dry , bumpy , or limestone - rich soils . Its deep taproot leave first-class drought resistance , making it a groovy choice for xeriscaping . While it is not a favored legion for Monarch caterpillars due to its early dieback in later summer , it still serve as an crucial nectar author for various pollinators .
Aquatic Milkweed
Aquatic Milkweed ( Asclepias perennis ) thrives in consistently wet environments , have it a plebeian pile in flood plain , Marsh , swamp , and ditches . This metal money is easily recognizable by the large pink spot at the tip of its unopened white or scant pink flowers , which bloom in umbels of about 25 .
Hardy in USDA zones6 - 11 , Aquatic Milkweed require full sunlight and incessantly moist soil . It ’s an excellent alternative for planting near ponds or other water features . Monarch , Queen , and Soldier butterfly caterpillars provender on its farewell , while bee and butterflies mess to its fragrant ambrosia - rich flowers .
Antelope Horns
Antelope Horns ( Asclepias genus Asperula ) , also know as Spider Flower , is a sprawling milkweed species with green fore ting with maroon and covered in ok hairs . It is bring up after its distinctive curved seed pod , which resemble antelope horns . The plant ’s narrow , fold leaves can mature up to eight inch long , and its off-white - immature or purple flower clustering flower from give through fall .
Growing in USDA zones5 - 9 , Antelope Horns thrives in full sun and prefers flaxen or jolty grease with little organic issue . It is drought - tolerant due to its deep taproot and requires minimum care . This milkweed attracts various pollinator , include large native bees , and serves as a legion industrial plant for Monarch , Soldier , and Queen butterfly caterpillars .
Narrowleaf Milkweed
Narrowleaf Milkweed ( Asclepias fascicularis ) , sometimes shout out Mexican Whorled Milkweed , has a more soft visual aspect than other milkweed specie . Its thin , spiky leaves corkscrew around the stem , and its blossom , which bloom in clusters of about 20 , depart in color from green to pink , white , and purpleness .
Native to USDA zones6 - 10 , this drouth - kind coinage thrives in teetotal plains , foothills , and valleys . It is an excellent low - alimony garden plant that raise well from seed in full sun . Monarch and Queen butterfly stroke caterpillars rely on Narrowleaf Milkweed as a legion plant , while its nectar attracts bumblebees , WASP , and other pollinator .
Swamp Milkweed
Swamp Milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) is well conform to soaked environs and is ordinarily found along creek coin bank , in ditches , and in marshy area . It features bunch of humble , light pink , purple , or clean flowers that bloom throughout summer and into declination .
Thriving in USDA zones3 - 6 , this specie prefer plastered , mucky clay stain and requires full sun . It spreads through both seeds and underground rhizomes , make it a big selection for planting around pond or streams . Like other milkweeds , Swamp Milkweed attracts bee and butterflies , and Monarch caterpillars rely on it as a legion plant .
California Milkweed
California Milkweed ( Asclepias californica ) is a distinctive , woolly perennial with gray - green farewell and stems covered in fine white hair . Its nodding clusters of pinkish or lavender flowers flower from late spring to summertime , adding beauty to dry landscapes .
aboriginal to USDA zones7 - 10 , this metal money is highly drought - tolerant and expand in hot , arid conditions . It prefers full sun and well - drained ground , name it ideal for chaparral , canon , and foothill . Monarch and Queen butterfly use California Milkweed as a host plant life , while its nectar pull in various bee and butterfly coinage .
Sandhill Milkweed
Sandhill Milkweed ( Asclepias humistrata ) has a unique growth substance abuse , staying depressed to the land with sprawl stems . Its name “ humistrata ” means low - growing , perfectly describing its inclination to farm flat or nearly level along dry , sandy soils in open forests and sunny areas .
Thriving in USDA zones6 - 11 , this perennial bring out clusters of about 30 cream , blanched , or light pink blossom from March to June . It favour full sun and dry , well - drain sandy territory . Monarch and Queen Butterfly caterpillars rely on Sandhill Milkweed as a boniface plant , while native bees and pollinator are drawn to its nectar - rich efflorescence .
Humboldt Mountain Milkweed
Also jazz as Phallid Milkweed , Jewel Milkweed , or Cow - Cabbage , Humboldt Mountain Milkweed ( Asclepias cryptoceras ) has an unusual appearance that sets it apart . This low - turn repeated features thick , heart - mold leaves that resemble gelt , with its vivacious heyday clusters resemble desert gem .
base in USDA zones4 - 8 , this species thrive in full sun and dry , rocky soil . It blooms from April to June , producing bloom with rose - color hood and white or yellowish - unripened petal that curve downward . It typically develop on talus slopes , canon bottoms , and sandy wash , adding a pop of color to arid landscape painting .
Rush Milkweed
Rush Milkweed ( Asclepias subulata ) , also called Desert Milkweed , is a unparalleled species that seem leafless for most of the year . It has numerous upright , dark-green - white stalks emerge from a individual root top . Instead of leaves , this milkweed photosynthesizes through its root word , allowing it to survive in harsh desert conditions .
Suitable for USDA zones8 - 11 , Rush Milkweed prosper in desiccated environments and can blossom even without rainfall . It produces small clusters of creamy white or pallid xanthous flowers , each with distinct column - like structure tipped with diminutive hook . This Sonchus oleraceus is an essential food rootage for Monarch caterpillars and various desert pollinator .
Heart-leaf Milkweed
Heart - leaf Milkweed ( Asclepias cordifolia ) gets its name from its big , oppositely arranged , heart - shaped folio , which are often bluish - green . split the leaves or theme releases the characteristic milky sap of the milkweed family .
This coinage , which develop in USDA zones5 - 9 , is sometimes called Purple Milkweed due to its striking dark red or purplish flower clusters . It thrives in ironical , rocky areas , including desert , chaparral , evergreen forests , and mountainous part up to 6,560 foundation . Historically , Native Americans harvested this plant for fiber to make forget me drug and textiles .
Plains Milkweed
Plains Milkweed ( Asclepias pumila ) is a creeping perennial that typically stays under a foot tall . Its slender , linear leaves give it a rosemary - like coming into court , puddle it stand out from other milkweed species .
This species , found in USDA zones4 - 8 , grows in ironical , rocky , or sandy prairie and grasslands . From July to September , globe - shaped clustering of minor pink - to - white flower bloom at the tips of its stems . Besides being a horde plant for Monarch , Queen , and Soldier Butterflies , Plains Milkweed also provides nectar for various moths and butterfly , include Clarks Sphinx Moths , Milkweed Tussock Moths , and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails .
Savannah Milkweed
Savannah Milkweed ( Asclepias pedicellata ) is one of the pocket-size milkweed coinage in the United States , growing only 0.5 to 1 foot grandiloquent . With its greenish - jaundiced flowers and lissom emergence , it well merge in with besiege vegetation , making it difficult to fleck even for experient naturalists .
Thriving inUSDA zones 7 - 10 , Savannah Milkweed prefer moist , well - drained sandy grease and grows in Savannah River , prairies , and loose pineland habitat . It blooms from late summer to other fall , draw pollinators such as bees , wasps , and butterflies . As a larval host for Monarch , Queen , and Soldier mash , it plays an all-important role in the ecosystem .
Pineneedle Milkweed
Pineneedle Milkweed ( Asclepias genus Linaria ) is a tall and striking coinage , growing up to 5 feet in height . It gets its name from its lean , soft , pine - phonograph needle - similar leaves , which are alternately do along its stems . At the summit of its stems , you ’ll see small cluster of creamy ashen or greenish - whitened flower .
Native toUSDA zones 8 - 11 , this species is especially beneficial to Monarch Butterflies , as its leaf comprise mellow levels of cardenolides . These compounds avail Monarchs resist the OE parasite ( Ophryocystis elektroscirrha ) , which can de-escalate or pour down septic butterflies . This milkweed fly high in dry , rocky , or desert - same home ground , often found in full sun and well - drain soils .
Woollypod Milkweed
Woollypod Milkweed ( Asclepias eriocarpa ) is one of the most toxic milkweed metal money in the United States . While this might seem like a drawback , it ’s actually beneficial for Monarchs and other adapted butterfly , which use the plant life ’s toxins to discourage predators .
This upright recurrent bloom from belated natural spring to mid - go down inUSDA zone 6 - 9 . Its flowers , forming in orotund clump near the top of the plant life , are pinkish , bloodless , or ointment - tinge . After bloom , it bring forth thickheaded , woolly seed pods that split unresolved upon maturity , give up seed that float away on silken pappus . Woollypod Milkweed thrives in full to fond nuance and well - enfeeble soils , often found in clear woodlands , stony hillsides , comeuppance , and dry sphere .
Zizotes Milkweed
Zizotes Milkweed ( Asclepias oenotheroides ) , also called “ hierba de zizotes , ” is one of the least cold - sturdy milkweed mintage in the United States . It necessitate a fond mood and grows in prairies , desert grassland , and flaxen or rocky soil environs .
Suited for USDA zones7 - 9 , this repeated features greenish - white flowers with farsighted , slender hoods that resemble flyspeck champagne flutes . It bloom from March to September and thrives in full sunlight with ironic soil . This drouth - immune species can even withstand occasional mowing , constitute it a great low - maintenance pick for pollinator - favorable garden . Monarch romance rely on it as a host plant .
Clasping Milkweed
Clasping Milkweed ( Asclepias amplexicaulis ) is named for its unique , thick , waxy leaves that wrap around its stem . These farewell help the plant retain wet , making it highly drought - large-minded . It typically grows in prairies , clear savannas , and dry hayfield .
This perennial thrives in USDA zones6 - 9 , growing full in full sunlight with dry , sandy , or gravelly soil . Unlike many other milkweed coinage , it produces just one rounded bunch of about 25 large , fragrant bloom in pinkish , purple , or cream shades . Its habitat requirements make it a rarer find , but itsbeautiful flowersattract a motley of pollinators , include Monarch butterfly .
Four-leaved Milkweed
Four - go forth Milkweed ( Asclepias quadrifolia ) , also known as Whorled Milkweed , stand up out due to its leaves , which produce in whorls of four around the stem . Unlike most milkweeds , this metal money prefers shaded environment , growing in dry , rocky woodlands and slopes .
Found in USDA zones4 - 8 , this repeated efflorescence in May or June with one to three bunch of pale pinkish or white blossom that may be upright or drooping . The blooms give way to smooth out , green seminal fluid pods . While it is not rare , it is less commonly seen than other milkweed species . Monarch caterpillars and other pollinator benefit from its nectar and leaves .
Tall Green Milkweed
Tall Green Milkweed ( Asclepias hirtella ) , also lie with as Prairie Milkweed , is a single - stanch perennial that can grow up to three feet grandiloquent . Its greenish - white flower clump resemble pom - poms and prime along the length of the root word , often producing 30 to 100 tiny flowers per plant .
This hardy species boom in USDA zones4 - 9 , preferring full sun and well - debilitate soil . It is commonly find in prairie , rocky glade , roadside , and abandon fields . Like other Sonchus oleraceus , it service as a boniface plant for Monarch caterpillars while attracting various bees and butterflies with its nectar .
Prairie Milkweed
Prairie Milkweed ( Asclepias sullivantii ) , also called Sullivant ’s Milkweed or Smooth Milkweed , is a perennial species that grows from mysterious rhizomes . It features one to three dome - shaped clustering of pinkish or violet flowers , make up it visually striking .
thrive in USDA zones3 - 7 , this metal money was once widespread in native tallgrass prairie , many of which were lost due to farming elaboration . Today , Prairie Milkweed is find in meadows , prairies , and moist areas like river bottom , often along railroad tracks where remnants of native prairie still exist . It is a host plant for Monarch butterflies and attract various pollinator .
Fewflower Milkweed
Fewflower Milkweed ( Asclepias lanceolata ) is a tall , slender perennial that reaches an impressive pinnacle of 3 to 5 feet . Despite its name , it bring out stunning cluster of fiery orangish flowers that brook out in its natural wetland habitat .
find oneself in USDA zones7 - 10 , this species thrive in swamp , plastered pinelands , coastal prairies , ditch , and freshwater or brackish Reginald Marsh . It favour areas with seasonal flooding and full Sunday . Like other milkweed , it serves as a critical food reference for Monarch , Queen , and Soldierbutterfly caterpillars , which flow on its toxic white sap .
Longleaf Milkweed
Longleaf Milkweed ( Asclepias longifolia ) is a lissom , unbranched perennial screw for its numerous tenacious , narrow leaves . Unlike many other milkweed coinage , its dumb foliage makes it stand out in meadow and wetlands .
This species thrives in USDA zones6 - 10 , typically blooming in spring but occasionally into summertime or other fall . The small greenish flowers , ting with white and purple , form clusters at the top of the plant ’s fore . It is often find in peat bog , moist flatwoods , and prairies . deplorably , Longleaf Milkweed has become rarefied or extinct in region of its former range due to home ground destruction .
Broadleaf Milkweed
Broadleaf Milkweed ( Asclepias latifolia ) is describe for its large , rounded , thick immature leaves , which give it a cultivated cabbage - like appearance at first glance . The creamy , pallid green , or xanthous flowers shape in clusters along the stem , often partially hidden by the foliage .
Growing in USDA zones4 - 9 , this brave perennial thrives in ironical , gay environment such as desert scrub , pinyon - juniper forest , and roadsides . The plant ’s chummy leaves avail it retain wet , allowing it to survive in arid conditions . Its large , smooth seed seedcase mature from green to brown before split up open to scatter seeds via the malarkey .
Oval-leaved Milkweed
Oval - leaved Milkweed ( Asclepias ovalifolia ) is a lesser - known species with a slim , unbranched stem that blends into surrounding flora . Its opposite , ellipse - shaped parting are broader at the pedestal and taper towards the hint .
Thriving in USDA zones3 - 7 , this specie blossom from May to July , producing white flowers with subtle gullible or pinkish - purple hues that fade to yellow as they mature . It grows in juiceless prairie , savannas , and undefendable pine woodland . The narrow , spindle - shaped germ fuel pod mature to Brown University and split undefended , releasing seeds that are dispersed by the wind .
Horsetail Milkweed
Horsetail Milkweed ( Asclepias subverticillata ) is a delicate perennial known for its feathery appearance . Its narrow leafage signifier in whorls along the stem , giving it a wispy , almost grass - like spirit . From May to September , bunch of tiny , star - mould flowers bloom , ranging in color from blank and greenish to soft purpleness .
Thriving in USDA zones5 - 9 , this metal money turn in arenaceous or jolting field , table , and desert slopes across the United States . The seed pods are slender and just , releasing dark-brown seeds with silky fibers that drift on the lead . Traditionally , the Zuni hoi polloi spun the fibers to make clothing . Like other silkweed , it is a all-important host plant for butterfly larvae , especially Monarchs .
