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.