Milkweed is the sole food source of the Monarch butterfly. This is the quickest to establish and easiest to grow of the milkweed species. The large fragrant flower clusters appear in various shades of pink and attract a variety of pollinators.

Native range: Eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the southeastern United States

Size: 3-5 feet tall, space 2-3 feet apart

Growing conditions: Full to partial sun, moist to dry soil

Bloom period: June through August

Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; essential larval host for Monarch butterflies; over 450 insect species feed on this plant; nectar source for many butterfly species

Garden benefits: Critical to the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, drought tolerant, deer resistant