Milkweed aka Asclepias

There is 200 different types of milkweed and many types are specific to certain regions of the country. The Monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of the flowers and then lays its eggs on the plant. Plants also make good cut flowers. A source for more information and for more information on monarch butterflies. LP Farm Store has a wild patch of common milkweed growing at the patch.

LP Farm Store sells 4 types of milkweed every spring.

Swamp Milkweed

• Asclepias incarnata

• Zone 3

• Height: 2-5'

• Non invasive

• Bright pink/purple flowers

• Will grow in clay soils

Showy Milkweed

• Asclepias Speciosa

• Zone 3

• Height: 36"

• Greyish green foliage

• Pink Flowers

Common Milkweed

• Asclepias syriaca

• Zone 3

• Large balls of pink to purplish flowers

• Height: 3-6'

• Loves to spread

• Some people say it smells like vanilla

Butterfly Weed

• Asclepias tuberosa

• Bright orange flowers

• Zone 3

• Height:1.5-2'

Growing Milkweed:

• Full sun to part shade, but performs best in full sun

• Prefers moist, well draining soil

• Low maintenance and easy to grow

• Can be started from seeds or plants can be bought at greenhouses.