Milkweeds (Asclepias)

Milkweeds

Start your own butterfly garden with milkweeds, the only place Monarch butterflies will lay their eggs. Though they're the sole source of food for Monarch caterpillars, milkweeds also attract a wide variety of other pollinators to the garden. Their sweet blossoms are often covered in flies, beetles, and caterpillars. The plant can, however, spread and become weedy if not contained.

Scientific classification

Genus

Milkweeds (Asclepias)

Family

Dogbane

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

1 m

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Milkweeds

Toxicity

Milkweeds is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant are dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, death. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if ingested.

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Weed Control

Milkweeds is a garden plant with attractive flowers and fruits, while it is highly toxic. Make sure to understand this before planting and be careful when planting it.

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Care Guide for Milkweeds

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Milkweeds thrives in well-drained soils and shows resilience to droughts. It requires weekly watering for robust growth. Adapted to meadows and prairies, milkweeds can adjust to varying rainfall, significantly affecting its blooming cycle and overall productivity.

Propagation: Propagation methods for milkweeds include seed sowing, root cuttings, and division. Key requirements are sunlight, temperatures of 18-24°C (65-75°F), and well-draining soil. Cold stratification of seeds for 30 days is advised. Seedlings should be transplanted after true leaves develop.

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Learn More About Milkweeds

Toxicity

How to Grow and Care

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Images of Milkweeds

Species

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Milkweeds