Prairie Milkweed

Prairie Milkweed Plant Card designed to attract and educate those new to native plants

## Conservation

### NatureServe Status

Ontario: Imperiled (S2)

Prairie Milkweed in the process of flowering

## Visuals

### Seasonal Interest

Fall (Large Unique Seed pods), Winter (Visual Interest if Seed Pods are left on)

## Benefits

### Uses

Decorative, Home Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Rain Gardens

### Other Important Animal Links

Can be prone to Aphids. Not a problem on a healthy plant and a food source for the Monarch Caterpillars. Can be sprayed off with water if so desired.

# ****Prairie Milkweed**** *(Asclepias Sullivantii)*

Prairie Milkweed is a native North American perennial with pink, fragrant flowers. Like other native Milkweed family plants it serves as a vital host plant for Monarch butterflies. Its deep roots make it a valuable choice for drought-prone areas and support soil stability. This plant is a cornerstone for local biodiversity and pollinator conservation efforts. It's seen less commonly than many of the other Milkweeds, in home gardens and the wild.

## Monarch

   Milkweeds and Monarchs share a vital connection. Milkweeds are the exclusive host plants for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing the only food source they can eat.
Monarchs lay their eggs on Milkweed leaves, and then when the caterpillars are born they will eat the Milkweed leaves. This unique relationship makes milkweed essential for the survival of Monarchs. The critical role these plants play in the butterfly's life cycle means it's a necessary plant to protect the Monarch population.

## Sowing and Reproduction

Flowers are bisexual. There is no gender requirement to grow *Asclepias Sullivantii*

**Method**

Prairie Milkweed requires light for germination and does best when sown on top of soil, pressed gently down to stop it from drifting away.

### **Cold Stratification**

Yes. **Cold plus moisture** **- 1.5 Months minimum, but 3 months is better.**

## Harvesting

Wear gloves as the sap can be an irritant.

Seed pods can burst open if left too long, releasing fine wispy fluff with the seed attached. However, pick too early and seeds won't be viable. Collect when seed pods are about to split, or just as they begin to split open. Rubber bands and twist ties can be used to prevent full splitting and make it obvious when they are splitting, allowing the pods to be cut off and brought inside for seed removal. organza bags tied around the pods are another way to collect seed and fluff.

You can tell if a pod is ripe by pressing on the 'seam' of the pod. If it does not start to pop, it's not ready. When ready, remove the seeds and fluff together.

    Shake fluff and Seeds in a container with rocks, or coins to separate seed and fluff. The fluff can be recycled in a myriad of ways.

## Storage

Leave the separated seeds to dry completely and then store in a paper envelope. Can be kept in the fridge to aid cold stratification, but careful storage must be undertaken to prevent mould.

## Toxicity

**Strength:** Mild. Large Doses cause harm.

**Toxic to:**

* **Humans:** Yes
* **Dogs and Cats:** Yes
* **Livestock:** Yes

### References

1. ↑ Photo from Prairie Moon Nursery
2. ↑ Picture from Wild Plants From Seed Website