Common milkweed is a hardy, herbaceous perennial native to North America. It features clusters of fragrant, pink to purple flowers and broad, oval leaves that exude a milky white latex when disturbed. Not only is it valued for its attractive appearance and vigorous growth, but it also plays a critical role in supporting a range of insect species.
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Growth Habits:
•Height: Typically grows 3-5 feet tall.
•Spread: Spreads through underground rhizomes, forming colonies.
•Light Requirements: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
•Soil Preference: Adaptable to various soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Prefers well-drained conditions.
•Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
•Flowers: Clusters of fragrant, pink to purple flowers bloom in summer (June–August).
•Leaves: Large, oval-shaped leaves with a thick, milky sap when broken.
•Reproduction: Propagates by both seeds (borne in large, pod-like follicles) and rhizomatous growth.
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Wildlife and Insect Associations
Common Milkweed is a crucial plant for pollinators and herbivorous insects, particularly those specialized to feed on milkweed.
Host Plant For:
•Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus): Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed species. The toxins in milkweed provide them with chemical defense against predators.
•Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle): Larvae of this moth feed on the leaves, often in groups, and can skeletonize plants.
•Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus): Feeds on milkweed seeds and contains milkweed toxins for protection.
•Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii): Similar to the large milkweed bug, it feeds on seeds but also scavenges other food sources.
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Pollinators Attracted to Common Milkweed:
•Bees: Includes honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees.
•Butterflies: Besides monarchs, other species such as swallowtails, fritillaries, and skippers visit for nectar.
•Beetles: Goldenrod soldier beetles and longhorn beetles are common visitors.
•Wasps: Various wasp species, including paper wasps, utilize nectar as a food source.
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Ecological Benefits:
•Supports declining monarch butterfly populations by providing an essential breeding ground.
•Acts as a nectar source for numerous pollinators throughout summer.
•Provides habitat and food for native insects, benefiting the broader food web.
•Helps in erosion control due to its rhizomatous growth.
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Growing & Landscaping Uses
•Ideal for wildlife gardens, prairie restorations, butterfly gardens, and naturalized areas
•Avoid planting near high-traffic areas due to spreading tendency
•Pairs well with blazing star (Liatris), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and native grasses