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Asclepias

Plant of Texas milkweed (Asclepias texana) with white flowers.

A Comprehensive Guide to Texas Milkweed (Asclepias texana)

Texas Milkweed (Asclepias texana) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the state of Texas in the United States and adjacent Mexico. This plant is a host to the Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. Growing from 8″ to 3 feet tall, this species has white flowers that bloom from May to August. It is hardy in zone 6.

Green flower cluster of Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora), an Illinois milkweed.

18 Beautiful Illinois Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

There are eighteen native species of Illinois milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and one adventive species that can be grown for Monarch Butterflies and other insects. Milkweeds are an important host species for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies. The Monarch butterfly in particular 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.

White flowers of horsetail milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata).

A Comprehensive Guide to Horsetail Milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata)

Horsetail Milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the south-central and southwestern United States. This plant is a host to the Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. Growing from 0.5 to 4 feet tall, this species has white to greenish-white colored flowers, sometimes with some purple that bloom from June to August. It is hardy in zones 5-8.

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