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Monarch butterfly on native milkweed

Growing Milkweed

Tropical vs. Native Milkweed

Asclepias, commonly called milkweed, provides food and protection to the beloved Western monarch butterfly with their bright orange wings rimmed with black and accented with white dots. When the monarch eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) they only eat milkweed until they transform into an adult butterfly. Milkweed is a vital part of the Monarch population and thus the food chain. Monarchs migrate in winter for two reasons: to find relocate to an area that will not freeze and to find food. There has been a lot of conversation about tropical milkweed versus native milkweed.


monarch butterfly on orange tropical milkweed
Monarch butterfly feeding on purple native milkweed

Native Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis
This narrow-leafed milkweed is native to California with clusters of lavender flowers in summer. It goes dormant in winter encouraging the Western monarch butterfly to migrate for the winter. It's a great choice for those wanting to attract Monarchs; though it can be hard to find. It is more readily available to grow from seed.

Tropical Milkweed

Asclepias curassavica
Known for its showy red, orange and yellow flowers in summer. There are concerns that this milkweed discourages the Western monarch butterfly to follow its natural migration from October to late March and is thus harming the butterfly population. Some monarchs will stay in California since it won't freeze and food is available. The best horticultural practice is to cut back tropical milkweed from October to January to help the plant "hibernate" for winter and encourage monarch migration. Come spring, it will burst forth with fresh green growth and blossoms, just in time for the returning monarchs.

Monarch butterfly feeding on red tropical milkweed