Milkweed is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plants in this genus are well known for their unique characteristics and are often cultivated as garden plants. The most common species of milkweed is the Asclepias syriaca, which has large leaves and produces large clusters of pink flowers. However, there are many other milkweed varieties that gardeners can grow in their gardens. In this article, Bazy Farm Butterfly will discuss what does milkweed look like and 10 milkweed varieties that you can consider for your garden.
What is Milkweed?
Milkweed is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants that are part of the Asclepiadoideae subfamily of the Apocynaceae family. The plants are native to North America and are known for their milky sap, which can be toxic to animals that consume them. Milkweed plants produce clusters of flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies, and their leaves serve as a food source for monarch butterfly larvae.
What Does Milkweed Look Like?
What does milkweed look like? Milkweed plants can range in height from one to six feet tall, depending on the species. They have thick stems that are typically covered in a fine layer of hair, and their leaves are large and broad with pointed tips. The leaves are usually arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem, and some species have a milky sap that can be toxic to humans and animals.
Flowers
Milkweed flowers are perhaps the most distinctive feature of this plant. They are often described as looking like a ball of cotton candy, with clusters of tiny flowers surrounded by a halo of long, delicate filaments. The flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, orange, and white. They typically bloom in the summer and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Seed Pods
what does milkweed look like? After the flowers have bloomed, milkweed plants produce seed pods that are roughly the size and shape of a small cucumber. These pods are usually covered in small spines or bumps and contain dozens of seeds. As the pods mature, they split open and release their seeds into the wind, which helps to spread the plant throughout the environment.
Roots
Milkweed plants have a deep taproot that helps them to survive in harsh conditions. The root system is typically large and fibrous, with many small roots branching off from the main taproot. This extensive root system allows milkweed plants to absorb nutrients and water from deep within the soil.
10 Milkweed Varieties for Your Garden
Common Milkweed
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the most well-known and widespread milkweed species in North America. It has tall stems and large, oval-shaped leaves that are a bluish-green color. The flowers are pinkish-purple and form large clusters at the top of the stems. Common milkweed can grow up to six feet tall and is often found in fields and along roadsides.
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a smaller milkweed variety that grows up to three feet tall. It has bright orange flowers that bloom in mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators. Butterfly weed prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great addition to rock gardens and sunny borders.
Showy Milkweed
Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a western North American species that grows up to four feet tall. It has large, rounded clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early summer and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Showy milkweed is also a host plant for Monarch butterflies.
Swamp Milkweed
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a wetland species that grows up to five feet tall. It has pink or mauve flowers that bloom in mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators. Swamp milkweed prefers moist soil and can be planted near ponds, streams, or rain gardens.
Poke Milkweed
Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is a tall, elegant milkweed variety that grows up to eight feet tall. It has large leaves and pinkish-white flowers that bloom in mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators. Poke milkweed prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it a great addition to woodland gardens.
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a delicate, small milkweed variety that grows up
to two feet tall. It has narrow leaves that grow in a whorled pattern around the stem and small, white flowers that bloom in early summer. Whorled milkweed is a great choice for rock gardens or as a border plant.
Green Milkweed
Green milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) is a unique milkweed variety with small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. It grows up to two feet tall and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Green milkweed is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly.
Sullivant’s Milkweed
Sullivant’s milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) is a Midwest native milkweed variety that grows up to three feet tall. It has pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators. Sullivant’s milkweed prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Milkweed Planting and Care
Milkweed is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips for planting and maintaining milkweed in your garden:
Soil and Location
Most milkweed varieties prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although some species like swamp milkweed can tolerate moist soil. When planting milkweed, choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering and Fertilizing
Milkweed is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much watering once established. However, regular watering can help speed up growth and promote blooming. Fertilizing is not necessary, but a light application of compost or balanced fertilizer can help improve soil fertility.
Pruning and Maintenance
Milkweed doesn’t require much pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can help promote blooming and prevent self-seeding. In the fall, leave the seed pods on the plant to provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Conclusion
Milkweed is a beautiful and beneficial plant to have in your garden. With so many different species to choose from, there is sure to be a milkweed variety that is perfect for your landscape. are not only creating a stunning garden, but also provides important habitat for pollinators, supporting the population of Monarch butterflies, and promoting biodiversity. With the right care and maintenance, your milkweed plants will thrive and provide joy and beauty for years to come.