Meet The Pollinators Native Plants Feed

Many people are planting native plants because they require little care once they are established.  Others plant native plants to help pollinators and other wildlife.  Native plants are environmentally friendly and support lots of life you may not know about.

Butterflies

Almost everyone knows that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed.  The caterpillars can only eat milkweed, but the adult butterflies can use nectar from a variety of plants.  Milkweed has a toxin in it that the caterpillars acquire by eating it and are then toxic to predators as a caterpillar and an adult.  We have several species of milkweed so you can find the type that grows best in your area. Other butterflies like plants that provide nectar and pollen. 

25 Ways to Attract Pollinators to Your Farms & Gardens - Carolina Farm  Stewardship Association

Many plants that attract hummingbirds and bees also attract butterflies.  One thing to remember if you plant flowers for butterflies is that the caterpillars eat the foliage of their nurse plants.  You have to be willing to let them do that to have an abundance of butterflies.

Moths

Moths pollinate many flowering plants at night.  When most people think of moths, they envision drab brown or white flying things. Many moths are quite beautiful. For example, the Schinia flowermoth lays its eggs on blanket flowers. The caterpillars eat the seeds out of the middle of the flower.  The adult moth flies at night and is the color of the blossoms so that it is almost invisible when sitting on them during the day. It is a nice shade of brick red that blends right in.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds pollinate too many plants to list them all.  In fact, we have a page with some of the many plants pollinated by hummingbirds.  A good way to feed hummingbirds is with our Lobelia package of five red and five blue Lobelias.  The red plants are also called cardinal flowers because their bright red flower resembles a cardinal perched on a stem.  Lobelia are native to the lower 48 states, so fit in any garden.  Almost any flower that is tube-like or trumpet-like will attract hummingbirds.

Pollinator Plants Attract Bumble Bees

Bumble Bees were once thought to be too heavy to fly properly. Nobody told the bees that, fortunately. They pollinate a wide variety of plants that birds and small mammals feed on.  An interesting example is bee balm, also known as wild bergamot.  Bee balm reminds me of a flower on a bad hair day.  It grows in sunny dry woods, fields, and along roadsides. Bumble bees are very effective pollinators.  Tomato plants that have been pollinated by bumble bees have a higher yield than tomatoes that are not pollinated by bumble bees. 

Farmers that grow tomatoes in green houses bring nests of bumble bees in to make sure the greenhouse tomato plants have big yields. Native Bees When most people think of bees, they think of the European honeybee.  As the name implies, these bees were brought to the new world by colonists from Europe.  In fact, they qualify as an invasive species because they have escaped bee hives over the years and live in the wild.

North America has over 4,400 species of bees that pollinate a wide range of plants.  These bees tend to be solitary and do not produce honey.  Native bees pollinate fruit trees and elderberry plants.  Alfalfa farmers set aside muddy spots for the alkali bees that pollinate alfalfa. Squash bees pollinate cucurbits like cucumbers and squash very efficiently. Flies There are a number of flies that pollinate plants. They tend to be colored like small wasps or bees, so people think they are bees when they see them. 

Perennials Attract Pollinators

Flies pollinate the Brown-Eyed Susan, which has vibrant yellow petals around a brown center.  They grow in a wide range of the country. Beetles Beetles pollinate plants that developed before there were bees.The plants they pollinate tend to have cup shaped, drab flowers with a spicy or musky odor.  Pawpaw trees, which have edible fruit and are native to the South, are pollinated by beetles.  Beetles are messy pollinators. 

They tend to chew through the flower to reach the pollen instead of going into the flower by the top. Bats Bats pollinate many plants that open their flowers at night.  If you like tequila, you enjoy the fruits of the Mexican long-nosed bat’s labors.  They are the only thing that pollinates agave. The bats are endangered and if they disappear, so does the agave.

Non-flying Mammals

Many small mammals such as mice and voles get pollen on themselves when drinking nectar from the flower.  They spread it between plants as they feed.

Plants pollinated by small mammals tend to have large, drab flowers that can stand up to creatures who are larger and clumsier than most pollinators. Final Tips To attract the most wildlife, make sure you have enough different native plants so that something is blooming from early spring to late fall.  Plant a variety of bloom colors and heights. 

Provide a shallow dish of water in a shady spot to give the wildlife a chance to get a drink. Native plants will always feed and shelter more wildlife than introduced plants.  A bonus with native plants is that they have evolved with the animals that feed on them or pollinate them so are less likely to die from pests or diseases.

Native Plants Offers Maintenance Free Pollinator Attractants 

Once native plants are established, they are drought resistant and don’t require a lot of fertilizer or pesticides.  In fact, pesticides will kill most pollinators, so it is best not to use them if you can avoid it. While the list of native plants will differ depending on where you are, there are plenty of plants to choose from if you want to attract wildlife to your landscape. 

The Xerces Society has plant lists for pollinators broken down by region.  Our website has curated lists of pollinator plants, plants for hummingbirds, and plants to attract birds.  We even have a list of plants to plant for food plots if you want to attract bigger mammals to your landscape.  If you cannot decide what to get, TN Nursery staff can direct you to the proper plants for your region.

Best Selling Pollinator Attracting Plants at TN Nursery

Butterfly Weed

Purple Coneflower

Bee Balm Plant

Milkweed Plant

 

Brown Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Brown Eyed Susan

Brown-eyed Susan has bright yellow flowers that act as a beacon for bees, butterflies, and other insects, providing them with a valuable source of nectar and pollen. It is a vibrant and versatile perennial plant with numerous landscaping benefits. Its charming golden-yellow blooms with dark brown centers make it a delightful addition to gardens, natural areas, and urban landscapes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it contributes to the overall health and sustainability of the environment.  Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) Plants Has Tons Of Blooms With vibrant yellow flowers, Brown Eyed Susans are in full bloom and easy to spot. Formally known as rudbeckia triloba, these flowers feature plush center disks that are a deep brown purple. These fuzzy centers gradually fade to brown and are surrounded by six to 12 bright yellow rays. The result is a daisy-like flower measuring one to two inches across. Each plant boasts several blooms. Large, healthy plants can display six or more blooms simultaneously. The stems supporting these vivid blooms are reddish, coarse, and densely branching. Upright and prone to clumping, they range in height from two to five feet. The stems have fine white hairs along their upper half and are trimmed with green leaves. The leaves can differ in size and formation. Those at the top tend to be smaller and more straightforward. Why You Need Brown-Eyed Susan's How do you decide if you want them? Both are gorgeous coneflowers that can add a lively splash of yellow to your landscape. However, there are distinct differences. They have smaller flowers with fewer petals. They also have a more abundant output of flowers. In addition, they tend to bloom for a more extended period. Brown Eyed Susan Will Reproduce Easily  They are classified as either perennial or biennial, and Brown Eyed Susan will often self-seed and self-pollinate. They bloom beautifully from the middle of summer through the first frost, so you can usually spot their cheery yellow flowers from July through October. Make Your Own Bouquets With Brown Eyed Susans Gardeners who want to create an informal look or naturalize an area favor cut flowers, which are frequently found in borders and mass plantings. Cut flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making them an excellent choice for landscapers who want to draw pollinators. Cut flowers are gorgeous, so they’re often popular with growers who enjoy creating floral arrangements.

Butterfly Milkweed - TN Nursery

Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed plants are known for vibrant orange flowers, attracting monarchs, and significant ecological benefits, making them a popular choice in landscaping. Beyond its visual appeal, this native North American plant offers numerous advantages to any landscape's overall health and beauty.   Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa) Is a Long Blooming Cycle Perennial The butterfly milkweed instantly captivates with its vibrant hues and delicate beauty. Also known as Asclepias tuberosa, this wildflower can be found in various prairies and grasslands throughout the United States and parts of Florida. Are you ready to transform your garden with this stunning flower, sure to become the crown jewel of your collection? Butterfly Milkweed Is Sure To Dazzle The charm of this plant lies in its dazzling array of bright colors. Fiery oranges are punctuated with bursts of sunny yellows that grow in small groups. The blossoms are supported by hearty green stems and thin, pointed leaves that ensure the flowers themselves take center stage. Though it may be in full bloom during spring and summer, this plant continues to enchant with its enduring beauty well through the fall. Because it is a resilient, robust plant, it makes an excellent choice for both seasoned gardeners expanding their collection and new green thumbs embarking on their horticultural journeys. Create Your Butterfly Garden With Butterfly Milkweed Is it any surprise butterflies are part of this wildflower's name? These plants are rich in nectar, which attracts many butterflies to the landscape. You can create your sanctuary with these adorable flowers that invite dozens of fluttering visitors to your lawn. The true beauty of this plant lies in how it harmonizes with the natural world around it. The fluttering friends it attracts go on to pollinate other flowers and support a healthy, happy ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. No matter where they are planted, these flowers create a ripple effect that nourishes the spirit of their beholder and the more fantastic world around them. Enhance Your Flowerbed With Butterfly Milkweed Plant Butterfly Milkweed alongside the purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, and bee balm to enhance your garden's allure for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. No matter where it is planted, this beautiful wildflower shimmers like a gem and adds an unmistakable beauty to the landscape. With irresistible colors, unwavering resilience, and a lovely connection to nature, it's no wonder that so many gardeners are instantly charmed by the brilliance of these wildflowers. Where is the best place to plant butterfly milkweed Butterfly milkweed should be grown in full sunlight and in soil that is well-drained. It is an excellent plant for pollinator-friendly landscapes.  Where is butterfly milkweed most commonly found?  Butterfly milkweed is indigenous to the North American region and is primarily associated with fields, roadsides, and open wooded regions. Their occurrence is more frequent in dry to moderately moist soils.  What are the characteristics of the butterfly milkweed plant Butterfly milkweed is a flowering plant that produces orange flowers to attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It has thin, pointed leaves of lanceolate type and develops seed pods, which contain silky loose hairs.  What does butterfly milkweed look like?  Butterfly milkweed consists of clusters of bright orange flowers that are reddish-brown from the top and display glossy green leaves in mid to late summer. The plant brings a nice, vibrant look to gardens and other natural settings.  What is the lifespan of the butterfly milkweed plant Butterfly milkweed has a perennial lifecycle; it can live up to 20 years if conditions are perfect for growth. Once planted, it needs very little attention and flawlessly produces stunning beauty and environmental enrichment year after year for your landscape.

Coneflower Plant - TN Nursery

Coneflower Plant

The coneflower plant, or echinacea, is known for its distinctive daisy-like, purple flowers with a prominent cone-shaped center. These flowers attract pollinators and add color to gardens.   Coneflower Perennial (Echinacea) Coneflowers, which resemble daisies, typically bloom in the middle to end of summer. Certain types may begin blooming earlier or continue into the autumn. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from yellow to deep pink, and with both single and double blooms that are incredibly vibrant. Magnus Superior variants bloom from the end of spring until the end of summer with rosy-violet rays that can reach a diameter of seven inches. These plants respond exceptionally well to deadheading. They spread gracefully like wildflowers thanks to their abundant seed production and self-sowing capabilities. Their delicate branches and colorful flowers make them perfect for gardens, where they provide visual interest without drawing attention to themselves. This naturalizing effect makes the plant look better and works well to fill in gaps between flower beds. Add Uniqueness to Your Garden With It Because of their unusual shape and composition, cones are a great way to add variety to your landscape. Their unique cone shapes also make them eye-catching accents among other garden plants. They provide textural variety to a garden by growing erect, contrasting wonderfully with trailing or mounding plants. In expansion, they can adjust to a broad range of soil types and light levels, giving you more alternatives for planting them. Invite Pollinators to Your Yard With It Since Coneflower Plants produce both nectar and pollen, many pollinators rely on these flowers for sustenance. Each 250 to 500 blooms that make up its black, cone-shaped flower head serves as a little cup of nectar for the pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds are just a few of the pollinators that love it. This variant can grow up to three feet tall and typically blooms between the middle of summer and the beginning of September each year because they produce seeds and are a popular nectar source for birds. They are of the same genus as the daisy, which you could guess by looking at. They bear stunning purplish-pink petals and are naturally drought-tolerant. As a native plant, they provide professionals and gardening enthusiasts with a low-maintenance option for adding complexion to outdoor spaces. What Do They Look Like?  The Coneflower (also called Echinacea) may be well-known for its petals' deep to pastel purple tinge. However, a closer look will reveal one of the most intricate and alluring central disks of all flowering plants. This flower gets its name from this striking and unique central disk.  It has received this moniker thanks to the spiny central hub. The spines are spread out in an almost exact order of distance, giving the cone a symmetrical shape and order that is truly stunning when observed closely.  In full bloom, their petals may splay out parallel to the ground or stretch downward. This positioning puts the central cone on full display and accentuates its bulbous shape. The spines on the cone can adopt a rust, red, orange, or yellow pigmentation throughout the blooming season.  Of course, the petals are nothing to sneeze at. Being a daisy gendaisieshe, the petals are lance-shaped and can grow to about 1.5 inches long. The flower is mostly an intense purple, where it connects with the stem and washes out gradually towards the tip. In some lights, this creates a pastel effect that is perfect for pairing with other flowers without drawing too much attention.  The stem grows erect and can reach heights between 2 and 4 feet. This makes this plant a great contrast to creeping or bunching plants. The leaves are basal and arranged alternately. They are a deep, cool green reminiscent of forest floors.  What Should You Plant Coneflowers If their chromatic and structural traits aren't enough to entice you, check out some of the more practical benefits of adding this flower to your landscape:  Planting Options: They are very versatile when it comes to planting. Once established, they are highly adaptable and can live with varying degrees of light and soil types. So, no matter what soil you have or what kind of space you have to work with, you can still enjoy these flowers. They Attract Pollinators. Hummingbirds and bees love the pollen and nectar they produce. The cone can house 250-500 spines, which are filled with food for a wide variety of pollinators.  Easy to Maintain - While they will require regular watering after planting, they only need a little maintenance after they are established. They respond well to deadheading, which can also help control seeding if you want them to spread only a little. They can handle several types of soil as long as it is well-drained.  They're Drought Tolerant - Want to contribute to the palette of your garden without spending a fortune on water? The plant is drought-tolerant. Once the roots have been established, maintaining them takes very little water. They Come in a Variety of Colors-They come in a bouquet of colors, from the typical purplish-pink to yellow shades. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want their landscapes to explode with color while maintaining strong uniformity.  Frequently Asked  Are you ready to start planting them in your lawn or garden? The following answers to commonly asked questions may prepare you.  When Do They Bloom?  The blooming season for them is typically between mid-summer and later summer. Some variants can bloom into autumn.  Do They Like Sun or Shade?  Like most flowers in the daisy family, daisies love sunshine. Planting them in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily would help.  Do They Come Back Every Year? They are perennials, which means they come back every year. This makes them a good choice if you want to add consistent color and variety to your outdoor spaces.  How Tall Are They?  They can stretch to 2-4 feet tall. The stem holds the flower clear above the basal leaves, allowing it to be the show's star, even on the shorter end.  How Do You Plant Them?  Start by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball's diameter. The root ball should be set to level with the soil line. To help retain moisture, add a small amount of compost and mulch to the plant site. After planting, they will need regular watering until the plant has established.  Will They Bloom Again If Deadheaded?  Coneflower respond well to deadheading. They will bloom again if you deadhead them. There are particular advantages to deadheading. Firstly, it will keep them from overtaking other plants in your garden (deadheading prevents seeding). Secondly, it may prolong the bloom time.  How Do You Deadhead A Coneflower It will help if you always deadhead (prune) yours with shears, as the stems can be very hardy and rugged to snap by hand. Deadhead after the flower has faded, cutting it down to a leaf close to new growth.  TN Nursery Provides Year-round Beauty for Your  Whether you want the whole gamut of colors or lush greenery to add to your garden, TN Nursery has you covered. We offer many ferns, flowers, plants, mosses, shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and more. Your order is backed up by a full, year-long, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our prime specimens make planting and maintaining easy and allow you to enjoy the fulfillment of gardening. Place an order now and beautify your outdoor spaces. Where Does Coneflower Plant Grow Best  They grow well in soil that has good drainage and total sun exposure, meaning the plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They are perennials and resistant to different environments; therefore successful in most climates but thrive well in a sunny garden with moderate watering.  How long do coneflowers take to grow  Coneflowers take 3-4 months to grow from seeds to flowering. When planted in early spring, they flower in mid-summer, and during early fall, they are on their third round of blooming.  What Does Coneflower Plant Attract  The flower is surrounded by tiny petals that attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.  Can you grow coneflower from cuttings?  Coneflowers are reproduced by seeds or by division, although it has been established that the plant can be propagated by cuttings. Propagation can be performed using softwood cuttings in spring or early summer and it is sown in a rooting medium and under constant humidity.  Can I Grow Coneflower Plant In Pots  Yes, coneflowers can be grown in containers so long as the pot has a drainage hole and sufficient size for root development. Select a high-quality nutrient-packed growing mix and put the pot in a well-lit area.

Milkweed Plant - TN Nursery

Milkweed Plant

The milkweed plant is known for attracting monarchs. It is a native perennial with clusters of showy, pink to mauve flowers and lance-shaped leaves. The plant attracts pollinators while thriving in moist, wetland habitats. It boasts numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. Its unique features contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic appeal and ecological value. With clusters of vibrant and captivating flowers, it adds a burst of color and charm to gardens while also serving as a vital component in supporting local ecosystems. Milkweed Plant (Asclepias Incarnata) The Asclepias Incarnata variety of Milkweed is a flowering perennial that, in addition to its ornate floral growths, is highly beneficial for local ecosystems. Today, we will examine this truly stunning and unique plant. The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed can grow to about 59 inches tall and is known for the vibrant, clustering flowers at the top of the narrow stem. The flowers have a purplish-pink hue and pink shafts reaching the main plant stem. The plant's leaves have a sword-like shape and a deep green hue that remains for most of the year.  When the flowers are in full bloom, they create a stunning contrast against the natural earth colors of the leaves, making them stand out in any garden or landscape. The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed has opposite leaves that grow in pairs on either side of the stem. Thus, the plant alone has an elegant, tidy, and elegant air. The green leaves work well in drab areas of your garden that could use some brightening. Aside from the innate beauty of Asclepias Incarnata, with its green foliage and glowing pink flowers, this plant also attracts a different kind of beauty-monarch butterflies.  The nectar of the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed is the only known food source for the larvae of monarch butterflies - That's a Primary Reason Monarch are now going extinct  The monarchs will frequently visit these flowers to nourish themselves with their nectar and lay their eggs in them so the larvae can thrive. As a perennial with rich, nectar-filled flowers, the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed attracts beautiful hummingbirds. The shifting colors of the hummingbird breast will also contribute to the palette of your outdoor areas. The length of the Asclepias Incarnata leaves varies from 2 ½ inches to 6 inches. They are narrow and have light green veins running through them. They don't grow densely, leaving the flowers to take center stage in their bouquet. The near-neon hue of this Milkweed's flowers makes them great companion pieces for other bright-blooming flowers. Gardeners and landscapers like to plant this variety of Milkweed to add a splash of unique color that instantly breathes new life into dull spaces. Benefits of Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) Yes, the Asclepias Incarnata looks stunning in full bloom. However, there are perhaps even more important reasons you should consider adding this perennial to your garden. It's A Native Plant - The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed grows natively in North America. They have been observed to grow wild from Texas to Nova Scotia. This means they will be easy for you to plant, cultivate, and maintain even if you don't have much gardening experience. Asclepias Tuberosa Plant Supports the Local Honey Bee Population  Honeybees are vital to your local ecosystem as they are natural pollinators. In fact, according to Farmers.gov, honey bees are responsible for the pollination of nearly 80% of our flowering plants. Keeping Milkweed can attract bees that pollinate your garden's flowers and other plants. The honey bee population is dramatically declining, and providing sanctuaries for these critical links in the ecosystem has never been more important.  Keeps Pests Away Asclepias Incarnata contains a natural latex that repels invasive insects and animals that would otherwise feast on the plant. This Milkweed in your garden can, therefore, repel these pests and keep your other plants healthier. Ornamental Value - If you look closely at the flowers, you will see they are made of smaller, intricate flowers. This gives them a stunning appearance, while the purple-pink coloration adds ornamental value to many landscapes. Plus, the flowers have a fragrant aroma that some have said is reminiscent of cinnamon. T Monarch Butterfly Population-Like honey bees, the monarch butterfly population is in decline. Some leading conservation groups have even classified them as endangered. You can do your part to support the migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly by keeping the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed in your garden.  Milkweed F.A.Q.s If you still have questions about the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed, please look at the following answers to some of the most common questions:  Is Asclepias Incarnata Sun or Shade?  The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed does well in full sun or partially shaded areas. However, the seeds germinate quickly with heat, so these plants need at least some direct sunlight. When do you Plant Asclepias Incarnata? The best time to plant this Milkweed is in the fall when the soil is likely wet. The Asclepias Incarnata prefers wet and moist soil, so if your area receives a good amount of rain in the Spring, you can also plant it in early Spring. How Tall are Asclepias Incarnata Milkweeds During Maturity? The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed can grow to about five feet tall depending on how it is maintained and how much room the root system has to grow. When Should I Prune Asclepias Incarnata? The best time to prune this plant is in the Spring before it sprouts new growths. Pruning helps make the plant look more attractive and encourages the development of new leaves. However, it may not be necessary if the plant is already healthy. Do Monarchs Like Asclepias Incarnata? Absolutely. The females lay their eggs on them as they provide a food source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Adult monarch butterflies are also attracted to the nectar of the Milkweed flowers. Your Milkweeds Are Here. No matter what type of Milkweed plant you want, we have them available here at TN Nursery. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, making us a perfect choice for experienced and new gardening enthusiasts. Order now to paint your outdoor spaces with vibrant colors. It is a tall plant noted for its pink to purple flowers. It is one of 115 plants in the Asclepiadaceae family, named after Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. This is appropriate because it is known for containing high levels of cardiac glycosides, which are used in some treatments for heart disease. This same substance also serves as the only source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Where Does Milkweed Grow It is native to the midwestern and eastern regions of the United States and Canada, but it can also be found further west. It is most commonly found in more open habitats, such as pastures, prairies, fields, and roadsides. It needs total sun to grow but can tolerate light shade as well. You’ll typically find it commonly clustered together into large patches, which are called colonies.  It can grow to be over five feet tall. The foliage can grow up to 8 inches, elongated nearly four inches wide, and is somewhat thick. The upper part of the oval-shaped leaves is usually darker greenish, while the underside is much lighter green and sometimes even white. When cut, both the leaves and the stems reveal a milky latex. The flowers can grow nearly an inch long and half an inch wide with a midrib that runs beneath them. They have a pink to purple coloring over them with a greenish tint and are very sweetly scented. Milkweed Plant Has Striking Pink-Purple Blooms The pink-to-purple colors contrast nicely against lush green fields and dry yellow prairies. Gardeners like it for its distinctive appearance and sweet, fragrant aromas. Find Milkweed and more at TN Nursery. Another reason why gardeners often like it is that it serves as the host plant for the beautiful monarch butterfly. These butterflies will lay their eggs on it, and as mentioned previously, the nectar also serves as the only food source for the Monarch larvae. Gardeners who like monarch butterflies or are otherwise concerned about their declining population can grow it to provide these butterflies with a natural habitat. The flowering perennial is named for its cardenolide-bearing latex, which benefits butterflies and insects. Monarch butterflies use and require specific species, including Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata, as host plants: their genus name, Asclepias, honors Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine.  Asclepias contains hundreds of species native to Africa, North America, and South America. Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata are native to the American continents and standard across the central and eastern United States. The sun-loving Asclepias syriaca grows naturally in fields, prairies, and pastures, while Asclepias incarnata grows along creeks, ponds, and bogs. Their flowers typically bloom from June through August. Asclepias produces complex blossoms that have similarities to orchids. Their large, spherical clusters of five-petaled blossoms are at the top of their thick stems. Each Asclepias growth usually carries two to five clusters of flowers. The individual blossoms are about three-quarters of an inch long and emit a strong, sweet fragrance. Asclepias syriaca has greenish-pink to rosy pink blooms, while Asclepias incarnata's flowers tend toward a brighter purplish-pink hue. It can grow up to five feet tall. Their thick, bright green leaves are six to eight inches long and two to three-and-one-half inches wide. The leaves' upper surfaces are darker than their whitish undersides. Asclepias plants form colonies in nature and landscapes and need room to spread out. Asclepias incarnata is highly ornamental and fairly quickly contained, making it well-suited to perennial, butterfly, and pollinator gardens. Asclepias syriaca works well in meadow gardens without defined borders. They increase from seed and spread as their rhizomes expand. They can be propagated in the late fall or early spring. Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata are the food sources for monarch butterflies, beetles, moths, and other insects that evolved to feed on their nectar. In the midwestern and northeastern regions of the United States, their leaves are the most crucial source of nourishment for monarch caterpillars, and their presence helps to fortify and increase monarch populations. Planting Milkweed Will Bring the Butterflies to Your Garden If you want to encourage monarch butterflies and other pollinators to make your garden home, you'll surely want to add Milkweed Plant to your landscape. Where can I plant milkweed Milkweed needs full sun and well-drained soil. - Grow somewhere where you're receiving 6-8 hours of full sunlight a day. The flower is a habitat for monarch butterflies.  Where can I find the most milkweed?  North American milkweed grows on the prairie, meadow, and roadside. It is best established in the brightest places.  What are the features of the milkweed plant Milkweed is an herbaceous perennial that grows tall and has wide leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. It has seed pods that pop open and shed seeds containing silky hairs.  What does milkweed look like?  Milkweed resembles common plantain and has wide-eared green leaves and flowers of pink, orange, or white, depending on the variety. It blooms in oblong spikes, and it's good for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.  How long does a milkweed plant live Milkweed can last for years in most cases. Annual plants are annual, that is, they seed to flower in a year, but they also self-sow.

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