Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa)

Hardiness Zones 3-9

Perennial (host plant to monarch butterflies)

Height 1-3ft

Deer and rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant once established 

Blooms mid summer to fall

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 

Native in NY

Adaptable to most well drained soils.

 Milkweed plant is a sanctuary for the monarch butterflies, they provide shelter and food source for caterpillars, different beneficial insects and aphids. The plant is not so esthetically pleasing with yellow aphids around, but, no worries, larvae of the ladybugs will eat them!Milkweed loves sunlight, will tolerate part shade but will be too leggy. Do not overwater, susceptible to root rot. it loves poor soils, therefore doesn’t need to be fertilized that often, once in a while is ok.milkweed doesn’t need prunning, when the seed pods dry up it’s good to harvest them if you don’t want the seeds to fly around, just like dandelions.  At the end of april, beginning of may, the stalks can be trimmed away for a new growth. Do not cut back for winter, there still can be some caterpillars left, or beneficial insects. During winter, the leaves of the plant will catch snow that will provide moisture to the root system. 

Hardiness Zones 3-8 (monarch host plant)

Perennial (threatened in NYS - 10 existing populations) Hard to establish 

Height 2-3ft

Deer and rabbit resistant 

Blooms late spring early summer 

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 

Native in NY (threatened in NYS - 10 existing locations)

Dry to medium well drained soil. Can be grown in pots, just make sure it is watered. 

Hardiness Zones 3-8 (monarch host plant, one of monarchs favorite foods)

Perennial

Height 2-5ft

Deer and rabbit resistant 

Blooms mid summer to early fall

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 

Native in NY

Moist medium to wet clay soil. Great for wet areas, rain gardens, or boggy areas

Hardiness Zones 3-9 (monarch host plant$

Perennial

Height 2-6ft

Deer and rabbit resistant 

Blooms late spring to summer

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 

Native in NY

Poor soil, dry, medium or clay