The Dawning of the Age of Asclepias

Learn about some different varieties of Asclepias

If you are a plant person, then at some point in your life, you have heard of the genus Asclepias. Their popularity in the past decade has soared in at-home gardens across the country, all in the name of the mighty Monarch butterfly. Our beautiful state of Michigan is home to eleven native species of milkweed, with a few being endangered or only found in a select few counties. In the United States, there are 73 native species, with about 30 species utilized by Monarchs as host plants.

My fondness for Asclepias began when I started exploring the outlying parks and recreational areas around Ypsilanti, Michigan. I was immediately attracted to their spent and dried seed heads in late winter leftover from the previous year.
Eventually, I was able to see the beautiful umbels of blush-pink flowers on Asclepias syriaca
, or common milkweed, which I identified with my trusty field guide back when I was learning plants (the hard way – no apps or phones with photos to compare to!). I was unaware of the impact plants were having on my life at the time – how fun it is to reminisce on the early days of discovery and exploration!

A lot of us know of the common ‘butterfly weed’, or Asclepias tuberosa, and common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca. However, there are plenty of varieties and cultivars you can grow in your yard while still paying homage to our winged friends. In Michigan, Monarchs utilize the following species the most (in order of abundance and preference): A. syriaca, A. incarnata, A. tuberosa, A. verticillata, and A. exaltata.

This year, I will be selling the most varieties of Asclepias at our plant sale than I have ever offered, and they were all grown from seed right here at the gardens! You can purchase the following at our sale:

  • Asclepias tuberosa, or butterfly weed - Striking orange flowers growing up to 2 feet tall. We sell out of this plant every single year at the sale – so be sure to get some before they are gone! It prefers drier soil, and once it has been planted, be sure to leave it! Their long taproots hate to be disturbed, and I have had very limited success in transplanting this plant.
  • Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies' mix, - Comes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Make sure to get multiple to create a colorful display in your garden!
  • Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' - The cutest and most endearing yellow flowers you’ve ever seen. We are limited in numbers, so be sure to become a member to get first pick at our Friday sale!
  • Asclepias incarnata 'Swamp Milkweed' – Possibly my favorite variety as of now (this could always change as I learn more!). Also known as swamp milkweed, as it needs more water than the tuberosa varieties. Great for around ponds or in marginally wet areas. This plant is just so sophisticated – and make sure you stop to smell the flowers! I have this in my yard, and the monarchs love to visit for the nectar and to lay eggs.
  • Asclepias incarnata ‘Milkmaid’ - A white flowering variety of swamp milkweed. Adds pops of white to the garden. Regardless of almost any color scheme that already exists, it can provide some excellent contrast and eye-popping color. I encourage you to try if you don’t have many white flowering plants already!
  • Asclepias syriaca 'Common Milkweed' – Monarchs love this variety the most! This can naturalize a bit in the garden, so be sure to plant this in an area where you don’t mind it spreading gradually over time. Perfect for areas that you don’t want to mow while also supporting our Monarch friends.

We hope you get the chance to try a few different varieties of Asclepias in your garden this year! If you have questions on any of the varieties or want to learn more, you can reach out to us or find some interesting information online!

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