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All Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Monarch Butterfly Flower Seeds

All Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Monarch Butterfly Flower Seeds

(2 products)

The milkweed plant, belonging to the Asclepias genus, is a vital component of many garden ecosystems. Known for its distinctive flowers and broad leaves, milkweed serves multiple purposes, particularly in supporting local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity. This plant is particularly renowned for its role as a host for the monarch butterfly, with studies indicating that over 90% of monarch caterpillars rely on milkweed for their development.

Milkweed is characterized by its milky sap, which contains toxic compounds known as cardenolides. These compounds serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores, making the plant less palatable to many animals. However, monarch caterpillars have adapted to this toxicity, allowing them to consume the leaves without adverse effects. This relationship is a prime example of co-evolution, where both species have developed traits that benefit their survival.

In terms of cultivation, milkweed is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun exposure. The plant can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet, depending on the species, and produces clusters of flowers that can vary in color from white to pink to orange. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. Research indicates that gardens with milkweed can increase pollinator populations by up to 50%.

Moreover, milkweed plays a crucial role in habitat restoration. As urbanization and agricultural practices continue to reduce natural habitats, incorporating milkweed into gardens can provide essential resources for declining species. It is estimated that planting milkweed can contribute to the recovery of monarch populations, which have seen a dramatic decline of approximately 90% over the past few decades due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

In conclusion, the milkweed plant is an invaluable addition to any garden, offering ecological benefits that extend beyond its visual appeal. By supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators, milkweed contributes to a healthier and more diverse garden ecosystem. Gardeners are encouraged to consider integrating this plant into their landscapes, not only for its beauty but also for its significant role in promoting biodiversity and supporting wildlife.

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    Milkweed, Tropical (Silky Deep Red/Blood Flower) Flowers

    From $299 USD
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    Description

    Silky Deep Red Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), also called Blood Flower, is striking in the garden and is a vital host plant for the endangered monarch butterfly. This easy care bushy perennial reseeds easily, isn’t fussy about soil or water, and can grow just about anywhere. Puts out bright, showy 2"-4" flower clusters in brilliant red-orange with yellow centers on slender stems that grow 2'-3' tall. Blooms continuously summer through fall, providing migrating monarchs with nectar snacks for their long journey and a place to lay their eggs. Can be grown as an annual in cooler grow zones. Lovely and long-lasting in cut flower arrangements.

    • Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial
    • Bloom season: Summer, fall
    • Attracts: Beneficial insects, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
    • Flower meaning: Dignity, freedom, rejection, remembrance, solitude

    As a medicinal plant, Milkweed has been used internally to treat diarrhea, gonorrhea, intestinal parasites and worms, pneumonia, spleen inflammation, and stomach tumors, and externally to treat bleeding, boils, corns, dermatitis, eye infections, ringworm, skin parasites, snakebites, sores, warts, and wounds.

    ⚠️ Although Milkweed is known to be safe when used correctly, all parts of the plant are toxic and may even cause death to people, pets, horses, and livestock if ingested in large quantities. The milky sap is a skin irritant. Do not ingest while pregnant or nursing.

    ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any plant medicinally.

    NOTE: A parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), travels with monarchs and is deposited on every plant they visit. In warm grow zones where this non-native milkweed does not die back from a killing frost, the OE parasite can build up and harm the caterpillars that feed on the leaves and the butterflies they become. A continuously blooming milkweed may also encourage the monarchs to dally rather than migrate, which interrupts their reproductive cycle. It’s easy to eliminate both dangers, by cutting your plants to the ground at least once per season.

    SEED PLANTING TIPS

    • Botanical name: Asclepias curassavica
    • Hardiness zones: 8-11
    • Planting season: Spring, fall
    • Days to maturity: 100-120 days
    • Cold stratify: No
    • Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep - Soaking seeds in warm water overnight aids germination.
    • Spacing between plants: 1'-2' apart
    • Days to germinate (sprout): 10-21 days
    • Germination soil temps: 60F-70F
    • Soil types: Clay, caliche, sandy, loamy, silty, rocky, chalky, rich, dry, moist, wet
    • Soil pH: 6.1-7.5
    • Water needs: Average
    • Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
    • Frost tolerant: No
    • Drought tolerant: Yes
    • Deer resistant: Yes

    More facts about Milkweed:

    • The beautiful monarch butterflies rely on milkweed to lay their eggs upon. Sadly, habitats that naturally support monarchs are becoming fewer in number each year. New urban development & chemically treated "big agriculture" are destroying habitats of milkweed all over the United States.
    • Sow in early January for first year blooms.
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    Milkweed, Common Flowers

    From $399 USD
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    Description

    The common milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) is a perennial plant native to North America, known for its distinctive clusters of pink to purple flowers and its ecological significance. This plant typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and thrives in a variety of soil types, preferring well-drained, sandy loam. It is commonly found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas, making it an adaptable choice for gardeners looking to enhance biodiversity.

    Blooms continuously summer through fall, providing migrating monarchs with nectar snacks for their long journey and a place to lay their eggs. Can be grown as an annual in cooler grow zones. Lovely and long-lasting in cut flower arrangements.

    • Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial
    • Bloom season: Summer, fall
    • Attracts: Beneficial insects, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
    • Flower meaning: Dignity, freedom, rejection, remembrance, solitude

    As a medicinal plant, Milkweed has been used internally to treat diarrhea, gonorrhea, intestinal parasites and worms, pneumonia, spleen inflammation, and stomach tumors, and externally to treat bleeding, boils, corns, dermatitis, eye infections, ringworm, skin parasites, snakebites, sores, warts, and wounds.

    ⚠️ Although Milkweed is known to be safe when used correctly, all parts of the plant are toxic and may even cause death to people, pets, horses, and livestock if ingested in large quantities. The milky sap is a skin irritant. Do not ingest while pregnant or nursing.

    ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any plant medicinally.

    NOTE: A parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), travels with monarchs and is deposited on every plant they visit. In warm grow zones where this non-native milkweed does not die back from a killing frost, the OE parasite can build up and harm the caterpillars that feed on the leaves and the butterflies they become. A continuously blooming milkweed may also encourage the monarchs to dally rather than migrate, which interrupts their reproductive cycle. It’s easy to eliminate both dangers, by cutting your plants to the ground at least once per season.

    SEED PLANTING TIPS

    • Botanical name: Asclepias curassavica
    • Hardiness zones: 8-11
    • Planting season: Spring, fall
    • Days to maturity: 100-120 days
    • Cold stratify: No
    • Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep - Soaking seeds in warm water overnight aids germination.
    • Spacing between plants: 1'-2' apart
    • Days to germinate (sprout): 10-21 days
    • Germination soil temps: 60F-70F
    • Soil types: Clay, caliche, sandy, loamy, silty, rocky, chalky, rich, dry, moist, wet
    • Soil pH: 6.1-7.5
    • Water needs: Average
    • Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
    • Frost tolerant: No
    • Drought tolerant: Yes
    • Deer resistant: Yes

    More facts about Milkweed:

    • The beautiful monarch butterflies rely on milkweed to lay their eggs upon. Sadly, habitats that naturally support monarchs are becoming fewer in number each year. New urban development & chemically treated "big agriculture" are destroying habitats of milkweed all over the United States.
    • Sow in early January for first year blooms.

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