Common Milkweed - Asclepias syriaca

Features: This Milkweed has large oval leaves on which Monarchs love to lay their eggs, so their caterpillars can feed on the leaves. Its clusters of purple/pink flowers emit a sweet fragrance, attracting butterflies, bumblebees, other native bees, wasps and red and blue Milkweed Beetles.

It can reseed freely if the pods are left to open, so they may be best picked while still green and shared with friends who have no milkweed.  Be aware that it can also spread through its underground root system. If you plant this for Monarch caterpillars, be sure to plant other prairie natives for summer-long nectar sources for the adults.

Light: Full sun

Soil: Medium to dry

Height: 3-5 feet

Blooms: July to September

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Photo credit: Wild Ones West Cook 2014.