Native milkweeds

Enhance your garden’s beauty and support butterfly species

Milkweed is a true champion of backyard conservation. Not only does it provide food and shelter for over 20 butterfly and moth species, but it’s also crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies. In the fight to support native bees, milkweed stands out as a nectar powerhouse. Even birds benefit from this versatile plant. Oklahoma’s diverse habitats host an impressive 26 species of milkweed, many of which are available for home gardens.

Milkweeds for Oklahoma gardens

One of the most recognizable milkweeds in Oklahoma is the aptly named butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). It grows naturally across the state, except in the panhandle, and is readily available at garden centers. With brilliant orange blooms from May through June, this rugged, adaptable species adds beauty and life to any garden.

Another spring bloomer is green milkweed (Asclepias viridis). Its unique green flowers can be spotted along Oklahoma roadsides in April and May, especially in central and eastern parts of the state. As one of the first milkweeds to bloom, it’s an important early food source for migrating monarchs. Spider milkweed (Asclepias asperula) has a similar appearance but is more common in central and western Oklahoma, including the panhandle.

For gardeners in the panhandle or western and central Oklahoma, showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is an excellent choice. Growing up to three feet tall, with thick, fleshy leaves and spiky pink flowers, it resembles common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) but is less aggressive, making it a better garden companion. Another look-alike, prairie milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), thrives in the north and east regions of the state.

One of the most eye-catching species blooms in late summer: swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). While commercially available, it can be tricky to grow in dry areas. Swamp milkweed thrives in moist environments such as irrigated garden beds, rain gardens, streambanks, pond edges or naturally low areas of the landscape.

If you’re eager to grow other native species, specialty nurseries or plant sales hosted by organizations like the Oklahoma Native Plant Society or butterfly conservation groups may be your best bet. The Okies for Monarchs and Yard by Yard webpages also offer helpful resources for finding local vendors.

Milkweed visitors

Milkweed makes a beautiful addition to butterfly and pollinator gardens, but it also works well in mixed beds, rock gardens, meadows and woodland landscapes, depending on the species. Once planted, you’ll attract a wide range of wildlife.

Butterflies, of course, love milkweed. Monarchs and queen butterflies use it as a host plant, but many other species, including Weidemeyer’s admiral, dogface butterflies and various swallowtails, feed on its nectar. In northern Oklahoma, you might spot great spangled fritillaries fluttering among the flowers. Milkweed’s nectar-rich blooms also attract skippers, coppers and hairstreaks.

Bees play a vital role in milkweed pollination, and you’ll likely see bumble bees, mining bees and domestic honeybees frequenting your plants. Ladybeetles and flower flies (syrphids) are common visitors too. Black-chinned hummingbirds have even been spotted feeding on butterflyweed. Birds also use the plant’s fibers and the fluffy down from its seeds to build nests.

Whether your goal is to help monarch butterflies, support native bees or simply enhance your garden’s beauty, there’s a milkweed species for every part of Oklahoma.

A garden champion

Why you should plant native milkweed in your Oklahoma garden:

• Butterflies – Essential for monarchs and a host plant for over 20 butterfly species.
  
• Bees – A nectar powerhouse for native bees, supporting pollination.
• Birds – Provides nesting materials with its fibers and seeds.
• Diverse species – Oklahoma boasts 26 species of milkweed, with options for every region and type of garden.