Members of the Asclepias family are essential plants for any native garden, especially if you want to attract butterflies. The first Monarch butterfly was spotted this past week. It seemed to be surveying the various plants. Of course milkweed is a critical plant for Monarch butterfly larvae.
Ascelepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) handles sun to partial shade and grow in moist to wet soils (although my soil tends to be somewhat dry in the summer). They are 2 to 4 foot tall.
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) likes drier soil and stands between 1 and 3 foot tall.
Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) seem to pop up everywhere except where I want them. The plans tend to be tall (4 to 6 ft). Rabbits have been a problem with early season milkweed, eating the young plants before they have had a chance to grow. The flowers are very fragrant and attract a number of insects.
Pennsylvania Native Garden Journey 