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Milkweed

NEED to cut this down

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WARNING. Watch the butterflies from afar - All milkweed species contain cardenolides, or cardiac glycosides, making them toxic. Species do, however, differ in level of toxicity. There are  140 species of milkweed some of which can be eaten by humans if prepared correctly and some which are poisonous- when planting Milkweed with children we advise planting  common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). As this is the least toxic variety. And only poisonous if eaten in large amounts. Make sure you use gloves when handling milkweed seeds and wash your hands after. Do not ingest the seeds. 

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Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on just one type of plant, and that’s milkweed (genus Asclepias). Unfortunately, milkweed often has a bad reputation. While awareness is rising around the importance of milkweed (as well as other native plants) for pollinators we want to clear up any misconceptions. Because the fact is, planting the right species of milkweed for your area can be a huge help to monarchs and a number of other species.

 

As summer begins to fade, milkweed plants produce seed filled pods. Seeds will continue to develop inside the pods until reaching maturity. The pods will eventually dry, splitting open and releasing their seeds that disperse with the winds.

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The myths to bust

Myth #1: Milkweed is an invasive weed

Milkweed is a beneficial wildflower. It may have “weed” in the name, but there are over 100 species of milkweed native to the United States and none of them are considered “noxious weeds”. While milkweed can grow quickly, planting species local to your region and researching a bit about growing patterns is a good way to ensure it won’t take over your yard.

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Myth #2: Monarch caterpillars eat more than milkweed

Monarchs caterpillars only eat milkweed. If monarch eggs are laid on plants other than milkweed, the caterpillars cannot survive and ultimately starve to death. Monarch caterpillars rely on milkweed plants and that’s why female monarchs choose to lay their eggs on milkweed plants.

 

Myth #3: Milkweed is only useful to monarchs

This is just false. There are a number of species that use milkweed nectar and some will even eat various parts of the plant (like the milkweed bug!).

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Myth #4: Because milkweed is toxic, you shouldn’t plant it

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

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The good news? Milkweed does NOT taste good

“Animals usually do not eat milkweed unless good forage is scarce or under conditions where plants freeze, etc. “ - USDA

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The myth here, is that you shouldn’t plant milkweed at all. The truth is…most animals won’t eat it because of the taste, and here are some tips for handling milkweed if you’re hesitant.

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Being careful and aware goes a long way

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1. Wash your hands and use gardening gloves like you would any other plant

2. Be careful to not include it in the hay of grazing animals and make sure there is always plenty of other food for them to forage

3. Know that your pets will likely avoid it, but if you’re nervous, research the milkweed species you plant to see toxicity levels

4. Take steps to prevent accidental ingestion, such as instructing children that the plant is poisonous and to avoid any contact with their eyes after touching the plant

 

All in all, planting milkweed is a sure way to help save the monarch. So let’s spread milkweed and cut back on the myths. Find native milkweed seeds near you.

 

Interesting Milkweed Facts:

• Milkweed has simple, erect stem that can reach 1.5 to 6 feet in height.

• Milkweed has thick, long rhizome that stores nutrients and produces new sprouts. It sometimes produces several separate stems that are located on a short distance one from another.

• Milkweed has large, broad, oval leaves with red veins. Leaves are smooth on the upper side and hairy below. They are oppositely arranged on the stem.

• Milkweed produces purple or pink flowers arranged in drooping clusters. Milkweed blooms from June to August and produces large quantities of nectar which attracts butterflies, moths and bees, responsible for the pollination of this plant.

• Fruit of milkweed are brown pods. Ripe pods split to release fluffy seed.

• Seed are equipped with hairy filaments which facilitate dispersal by wind. During the windy days, seed often travel 25 to 100 feet away from the mother plant.

• Besides via seed, milkweed propagates via division of rhizome.

• Entire plant is filled with milky sap, hence the name - milkweed. Sap contains latex, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Some species of milkweed produce toxic chemicals to protect themselves against hungry herbivores.

• Caterpillars of monarch butterfly eat leaves of milkweed and collect toxins in the body. Toxins remain in the body after transformation of caterpillars into the butterflies and provide protection from birds and other predators.

• Some species of milkweed can be used in human diet, but they need to be properly cooked. Shoots, leaves, pods and buds need to be boiled at least three times before consumption.

• Yellow jacket is predatory wasp that feeds on insects that regularly visit milkweed. It waits for the bees and flies to enter the flowers and then grabs them.

• Fluffy seed of milkweed were used as stuffing for the floatation devices in the USA during the WWII. Seed of milkweed are still popular in the industry of pillows and life jackets.

• Native Americans used nectar isolated from the flowers of milkweed as sweetener. They used fibers from the stem of milkweed in the manufacture of ropes and twines.

• Fibers extracted from the milkweed can be used in the manufacture of paper, while milky sap can be used in the manufacture of rubber.

• Milkweed can survive from 2 to 25 years in the wild, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

4 days!