Perennial to Zone 4. These 5' tall showy perennial native wildflowers are an important member of the wild habitat, needing a little help from humans as we work to keep the Monarch well fed and abundant—Monarch butterfly, that is, since milkweed is the most abundant food source for their caterpillars. Moreover, 450 other insects are known to feed on some part of the plant as well. Can be toxic to some other critters, and the bitter taste will prevent voracity unless there is nothing else to eat. For humans, the flower buds battered and fried as tempura are a treat. Buds open to large balls of sweetly fragrant pink flowers. When the pods split open in the fall, seeds fly by impossibly soft silks. Prefers full sun. Needs periodic disturbance in order to compete with surrounding vegetation. ② ③
Milkweed
Milkweed
Perennial to Zone 4. These 5' tall showy perennial native wildflowers are an important member of the wild habitat, needing a little help from humans as we work to keep the Monarch well fed and abundant—Monarch butterfly, that is, since milkweed is the most abundant food source for their caterpillars. Moreover, 450 other insects are known to feed on some part of the plant as well. Can be toxic to some other critters, and the bitter taste will prevent voracity unless there is nothing else to eat. For humans, the flower buds battered and fried as tempura are a treat. Buds open to large balls of sweetly fragrant pink flowers. When the pods split open in the fall, seeds fly by impossibly soft silks. Prefers full sun. Needs periodic disturbance in order to compete with surrounding vegetation. ② ③
Additional Information
Flowers
All flowers are open-pollinated except where noted.
Days in parentheses after a variety indicate days to first bloom.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.