Table of Contents for Knox County, Tennessee Milkweeds
Turn your Knox County butterfly garden into a buffet for butterflies by getting rid of the chemicals and planting a nectar rich haven. A good plant to start with are milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), which do double duty as a host for monarch butterflies and a nectar source many other insects. Milkweed hosts the monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides the cardenolides that gives it a bad taste to predators when it is an adult. Dive into the article to find out about the plant hardiness zones in Knox County, and the planting requirements needed for milkweeds in the county.
There are fourteen species of native or nearly native Knox County, TN milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) that can be grown for butterflies and other insects. In Knox County, milkweed is a host species for the Monarch butterfly. The Monarch butterfly uses the cardenolides found in the milky sap of milkweeds to give an unpleasant taste to predators. These plants are also an important nectar source to all insects visiting your pollinator garden. One species, tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is adventive to the county, but it is harmful to monarchs and you do not want to plant it
Location of Knox County, Tennessee
Knox County, TN is located in eastern Tennessee in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Knoxville is the major city in the county.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in Knox County, Tennessee
Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee are located in plant hardiness zone 7b. Generally when selecting plants you will want to get those that can handle temperatures as cold as +50F to be sure they will survive.
Butterflies in Knox County, Tennessee that are Hosted by Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most iconic butterflies in North America and is a bellweather of changes in the environment. Having a distinctive orange color with black stripes, this butterfly has a wingspan of 3 in (7.6 cm) to 5 in (12.7 cm). The monarch butterfly ingests the toxic cardenolides of the milkweed plants, making it distasteful to predators. It can have several broods in a year and is known for its migrations to Mexico. However, some populations in the south, such as southern California, Arizona, and Florida do not migrate and breed year-round (Urguhart, et al 1968).
List of Native or Nearly Native Knox County, Tennessee Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
1. Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis), a Milkweed for Sandy Soils
Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis): Clasping milkweed is scattered throughout Tennessee (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, clasping milkweed grows in dry woodlands, prairies, meadows, and roadsides that have sandy or gravelly soil. Growing up to 3 feet tall, this milkweed has greenish-pink, red, brown, to purple flowers that bloom from March to September. This species is native to Knox County and can be an excellent choice for most garden conditions.
Transform your yard into a butterfly haven with this blunt-leaved milkweed that is adapted to minimize water loss from the reflection of sand. This milkweed hosts the monarch butterfly and packs a punch in attracting other butterflies. Your patch of paradise can be turned into a meadow of flitting insects enjoying the delights of your planted buffet.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade and moist to dry sandy soils. Seeds of clasping milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
2. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata), a Milkweed for Shade and Moist Soils
Poke Milkweed (Ascelpias exaltata): Poke milkweed is native to the central and eastern counties of Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is native to counties adjacent to Knox County. In the wild, poke milkweed grows in moist woods, roadsides, and the edges of woods. Growing from 2 to 6 feet tall it is one of the taller milkweeds in Tennessee and has flowers that are white to green with accents of rose, purple, or blue. Blooming occurs from May to August.
Host the monarch butterfly and beckon other butterflies with this gentle giant of a milkweed that has fragrant lavender-tinged blooms and loves shade. Towering over other plants and joining other tall plants such as joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium spp.) and ironweed (Vernonia spp.), you can turn your shade garden into a nectar powerhouse.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires part-shade to full shade and moist soil. For shade gardens, this is a choice milkweed. Seeds of poke milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
3. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Swamp milkweed has two subspecies, ssp. incarnata and ssp. pulchra. The former is native throughout Tennessee (hardy in zones 3-9) and while the latter is found in the eastern counties of the state (hardy in zones 4-9). Both subspecies are native to Knox County. Like the name suggests this plant is found in wet places such as the shores of streams, lakes, ponds, and other wetlands. However, as a landscape plant it can exist in drier places. The flowers are variable and are generally a pink to red color, but there is also a white cultivar (pictured below).
This milkweed prefers wet soils, but it is not just for mud. In your garden this thin-stalked plant with a rosy-blush can accent your nectar buffet and provide sustenance for monarch butterflies in most soil conditions. This plant makes a nice contrast and splash of color when planted with yellow and white flowered plants.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, swamp milkweed is overall hardy in zones 3-9. However, in the horticultural trade you will likely get subsp. incarnata, which is hardy in zones 3-9. This milkweed requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Seeds of swamp milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
4. Long-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Long-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia): Long-leaf milkweed has two varieties, var. hirtella and var. longifolia. Of these var. hirtella, is native generally to southeastern Tennessee (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, long-leaf milkweed grows in moist areas and wetlands such as bogs, swamps, flatwoods, and prairies having full sun. Growing from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, it has greenish-white flowers that bloom from April to July.
Long-leaf milkweed is native to the southwest of Knox County, but can grow in the plant hardiness zone of the county. This thin-leaved milkweed can be an excellent contrast to broader leaved plants and the greenish-white flowers stand out among other colors.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, long-leaf milkweed is hardy in zones 4-9 and requires full sun with moist to wet soils.
5. Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis): Aquatic milkweed is native to western Tennessee (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, aquatic milkweed grows on the margins of wetlands such as swamps, alluvial woods,ditches, and marshes. Growing from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, this species has white to pink, purplish-rose or purple flowers that bloom from April to October.
Aquatic milkweed is native to the west of Knox County, but can grow in the plant hardiness zone and thrives much further to the south giving it climate change warming resiliency. If you have a wetland or a garden with moist soil, this is a plant to consider to provide for monarchs and other insects.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, aquatic milkweed is hardy in zones 6-10 and requires full sun to partial shade with moist soils.
6. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens): Purple milkweed is rare and native to central and southeastern Tennessee (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, purple milkweed grows in swamps, woodlands, meadows, and roadsides. Growing up to 6 feet tall, it is one of the larger milkweeds in Pennsylvania, and has flowers, as the name suggests that are generally purple, but can range from rose to pink, or may start out pink and mature to purple.
This milkweed is another gentle giant of a milkweed that likes shade. If you have a shaded garden, this milkweed makes a great choice and you can create a place for monarch butterfly caterpillars to thrive and nectar for other insects. Turn your shaded spot in a fluttering place of magic and flying harmony. This milkweed is native to the southwest of Knox County and is close to the limits of its hardiness zone and may experience warming stress in the future in this area.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-8 and generally requires part-shade, but can handle full sun if needed. Soils should be moist and well-drained, but dry soil can be tolerated. Seeds of purple milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
7. Four-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia), a Milkweed for Dry Rocky Soils
Four-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia): Four-leaf milkweed is native in central and eastern Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is native to Knox County. In the wild, four-leaf milkweed grows in open areas such as roadsides, pastures, and prairies that have some disturbance. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, the flowers range from white to pink in color and bloom from April to July.
If you have a combination of full sun or part-shade, this plant is the key to turning your yard into buffet of munching caterpillars. Later you will have a winged ballet and fluttering fandago of monarchs and swallowtails flying from plant to plant in the sun and shade. While this species is currently native to Knox County, it may experience warming stress in the future due to being near the limits of its hardiness zone.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 5-8 and prefers places where it can enjoy full sun or part-shade and dry rocky soils. While this species is currently native to Knox County, it may experience warming stress in the future due to being near the limits of its hardiness zone.
8. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Soils
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): Showy milkweed is native to the western United States (Kartesz 2015), but is widely planted in butterfly gardens elsewhere. While not native to Tennessee or Knox County and can handle the plant hardiness zone. In the wild, showy milkweed grows in open areas with full sun such as roadsides, pastures, and fields. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, this plant has flowers that are purple, pink to white and bloom from May to June.
Imagine the soft brushstrokes of of pink and purple having star-shaped blooms acting as a beacon for weary monarchs and playground for bees. Transform your sunny location into a scent filled extravagnaza and while watching your guests delight in the sun kissed nectar.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, showy milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun with medium to dry well-drained soil. Seeds of showy milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
9. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a Milkweed for all Soils
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): Common milkweed is native in scattered counties throughout Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is native in Knox County. This milkweed is found in open areas such as fields, pastures, and roadsides, where it can receive full sun. Growing up to 6 feet tall, this milkweed has flowers range from pink, greenish-purple, greenish-white, to white and blooms from June to August.
An inhabitant of fields and roadsides, this milkweed is leafy powerhouse with large flowers and a strong scent. Handling nearly any kind of garden condition, this milkweed provides ample foraging for monarchs and nectar for many. This plant can form the perfect compliment when joined with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and other butterfly garden plants, making a colorful tapestry.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, common milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade and any type of soil. Seeds of common milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
10. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), a Milkweed for all Soils
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Butterfly weed is one of the most common for butterfly gardeners on the east coast of the United States. In Tennessee, subspecies interior and tuberosa are both native and both have a scattered distribution. In Knox County, subsp. tuberosa is native, while subsp. interior is native to the west. In the wild, butterfly weed grows in open areas with full sun such as fields, roadsides, and open woods. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, it has characteristically orange flowers that bloom throughout the summer and sometimes into the autumn.
If you need a hint of orange in a sea of white and pink milkweeds, this plant is for you. This orange milkweed is one of the few of this color and sustains the monarch butterfly is a valuable nectar for other insects. Imagine a fluttering calcophony of yellow, black, and orange on orange flowers. If you have a sunny garden or want to grow a milkweed in a container this plant is for you.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy from zones 3-9 and requires full sun in any type of soil condition. This is one of two milkweeds in North America that does not have milky sap. Seeds of butterfly weed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
11. Red-ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata), a Milkweed for Dry Sandy Soils
Red-Ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata): Red-ring milkweed is native throughout Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is native to Knox County. In the wild, red-ring milkweed grows in open disturbed areas such as thickets and roadsides. Growing from 1 to 4 feet tall, it has white colored flowers with a ring of purple to red at the base. The flowers bloom from May to July.
This milkweed lives in places where there is filtered light. The small balls of white can provide a textural contrast to the pinks of other milkweeds in your garden. In addition, like the butterfly weed, this plant is small and can be grown in a container for those with small gardens or patios.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and prefers part-sun to light-shade and dry sandy or rocky soils. Seeds of red-ring milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
12. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Soil
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata): Whorled milkweed is generally native throughout Tennessee except for the west (Kartesz 2015) and native to Knox County. In the wild, whorled milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and fields, where it can take advantage of full sun. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, it has green to white flowers that bloom from May to September.
Another species providing textural appeal is the whorled milkweed. Another small milkweed, it provides nourishment for monarch caterpillars and nectar for other butterflies and bees. The overall look of the plant blends in with the swaying grasses in your garden.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade with medium to dry soil. Seeds of whorled milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
13. Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Sandy Soils
Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora): Green comet milkweed is scattered throughout Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is native to Knox County. In the wild, green comet milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and field where there is full sun. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the flowers, which bloom from June to August, begin as a green color but age to become yellow with a purple tinge.
This milkweed can add another color to your garden tapestry. The green flower color helps them to blend in with the leaves saving them from herbivores that would eat them. If you need a medium sized milkweed that can handle a variety of habitats, this milkweed is for you.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade with medium to dry sandy soil. Seeds of green comet milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
14. Green Antelope-Horn Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry High pH Soils
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis): Green milkweed is generally native in central Tennessee (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, green milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and field where there is full sun. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the flowers, which bloom from June to August, begin as a green color but age to become yellow with a purple tinge.
If you need a plant that can nourish monarch butterflies, is a great nectar source and is green this may be the plant for you. Be sure you provide a high pH environment and have plenty of sun.
In your Knox County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 5-9 and requires full sun with medium to dry soils having a high pH. Seeds of green milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
X. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), a Milkweed you do not want to plant
Tropical milkweed is adventive to Knox County in Tennessee (Kartesz 2015) and is a milkweed you do not want to plant. Even though this is a milkweed and is an attractive plant, it is actually harmful to monarch butterflies.
When selecting plants for your Knox County butterfly garden, make sure they grow in your zone and habitat.
Books where you can find out more about Monarchs and Butterfly Gardening in Knox County, TN
- Bales, Stephen Lyn. 2017. Ephemeral by Nature – Exploring the Exceptional with a Tennessee Naturalist. The University of Tennessee Press. 219 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies. Southeast – Nature Friendly Gardens. Adventure Publications. 276 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Garden Bugs & Insects of the South & Southeast – Identify Pollinators, Pests, and other Garden Visitors – Adventure Quick Guides. Adventure Publications. 36 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Butterflies of the South & Southeast – Your Way to Easily Identify Butterflies – Adventure Quick Guides. Adventure Publications. 22 pp.
- Hunter, Margie. 2002. Gardening With the Native Plants of Tennessee – The Spirit of Place. The University of Tennessee Press. 355 pp.
- Mellichamp, Larry, Paula Gross, and Will Stuart. 2020. The Southeast Native Plant Primer – 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. Little and Brown. 256 pp.
- Tennessee Flora Committee. 2015. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press. 813 pp.
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References
- Kartesz, J.T. The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2015. Taxonomic Data Center. Link to website. Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2015. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]
- Urguhart, Frederick Albert, Norah Roden Urguhart, and Francis Munger. 1968. Population of Danaus plexippus in Southern California. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 7(4): 169-181.
