Milkweed

Milkweed is a wildflower and is very common. Most butterfly enthusiasts are familiar with this particular plant because of its ability to attract Monarch Butterflies. This plant does best in climate zones three through nine and can reach heights of up to three feet. It also does best when planted in full sunlight environments and will grow in various kinds of soil conditions as long as they are well-drained. This plant will flower and bloom during the spring and summer months of the year. The flowers will form a round shape at the top of the stem and vary in pink shades. As a bonus, these blooms will have a lovely fragrance that will attract more than butterflies to the area. The foliage of this plant is primarily light green in color and oblong in its shape.

The plant will propagate when its seed pods burst open at the beginning of fall, and the wind will scatter these over various places. You will find this in the wild growing along with fields and roadsides in Eastern North America and is classified as a wildflower. This flower is just a must when adding or beginning a butterfly garden in your yard. Butterflies lay eggs on the leaves, and once they hatch, the caterpillars will eat the leaves and form their cocoons. Other gardeners only use it for wildflower gardens, but their seed pods can also be dried.

The care and maintenance requirements for this plant are minimal. This plant needs no fertilization as it will grow and develop even in poor soil conditions. The most significant thing will be in controlling their growth. They spread quickly by seeds and rhizomes and will form colonies of themselves. To help with control, you can remove the seed pods before they open and begin to spread. The seeds are similar to that of dandelions and will spread quickly. Also, be mindful that the leaves on this plant are toxic to humans and should not eat. It adds flair to your garden no matter what you plan to use it.