An absolute favorite for Monarch larvae, Common Milkweed is at home in the sunny meadow garden or spreading through naturalized areas. A variety of butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects feast on the flower nectar. Pointy seedpods with silky seeds are popular for dried arrangements. This is the favored food of Monarch butterflies. Vivid orange flowers atop 2-3' plants complement Stokes' Aster and coneflowers during early summer.
Mature seedpods are especially nice in dried arrangements.
Like many taprooted and long-lived meadow species, Butterfly Weed takes a few seasons to reach full size. Must have full sun and well drained soil. It is one of the later plants to emerge in spring, so I usually leave the old stalks in place to mark its location. We celebrate the joys of gardening by offering a great variety of asters. Niche Gardens On-line Catalog System by J. C. Max, Inc.