New in 2022: The Milkweed Patch LLC in Troy, Ohio, specializing in milkweed and nectar plants Acorn Farms 7679 Worthington Road
Table of Contents
Where can I find milkweed in Ohio?
Within the state, White milkweed is only found in is south-central Ohio. It grows in dry, rocky woodlands, along roadsides, and in thickets throughout this region.
Can I plant milkweed in Ohio?
While the best time to plant Milkweed seeds in Ohio is in the fall, it's possible to do it in the spring. But first, you MUST have the seeds go through something called artificial stratification.
When should I buy milkweed plants?
Milkweed seeds are available for purchase year round, but you'll find more plants for sale during the spring and summer months.
Do monarch butterflies live in Ohio?
Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are one of the most recognizable butterflies in Ohio. They are found in every county in the state.
Will milkweed grow in shade?
they can tolerate a bit of partial shade, Milkweeds do best in full sun. Any companion plants should have similar cultural needs. California Native Milkweed doesn't look very California Native in its small mailing pot when we mail it to you, especially if we ship it before June when the plant is dormant.
Which milkweed do monarchs like best?
Female monarchs will lay eggs on all nine milkweed species, but they prefer some over others. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) averaged the highest number of eggs.
What is the difference between swamp milkweed and common milkweed?
Unlike swamp milkweed, common milkweed has large broad leaves with a prominent central vein. The flower clusters are ball shaped and light pink to purple. The pods of common milkweed are comma shaped, thick and covered with spines. Common milkweed prefers sunny, dry locations but grows in a variety of conditions.
Is butterfly milkweed invasive?
The common milkweed is very aggressive and invasive and take over your butterfly garden very quickly. Luckily, there are several non-invasive alternatives that serve butterflies and pollinators. The key is to match the milkweed plant to your garden's conditions.
Where should you not plant milkweed?
For these reasons, the Xerces Society does not recommend planting milkweed (non-native or native) close to overwintering sites (within 5-10 miles of the coast) in Central and Northern coastal California where it did not occur historically (see State of the Overwintering Sites Report for additional information).
Should you plant milkweed in your yard?
So the rule is: If you live along the California coast, plant nectar plants to support the monarchs migrating to and from overwintering sites; do not plant milkweed. It is best not to plant milkweed within 10 miles of an overwintering site.
How can I get free milkweed?
If you mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Live Monarch - 2020 Seed Campaign, PO BOX 1339, Blairsville, GA 30514, the foundation will send back 15 butterfly garden seeds, including milkweed, for free.
Does milkweed like wet soil?
Swamp Milkweed likes wet roots and grows throughout the Unites States in wet soils. Swamp Milkweed is found naturally along creeks, lakes and water edges. Plant near the edge of the water, but not in the water.
Will milkweed grow in clay soil?
Common Milkweed
It does well in soils that are clay, sandy or rocky calcareous (high in calcium carbonate). These conditions occur naturally along stream banks, ponds, lakes, forest margins, and roadsides. Common Milkweed grows 2′ – 6′ tall and like areas with full sun.
Does milkweed have an odor?
If you have ever walked along a quiet country road in the Northeast in late July or early August, you have probably caught a whiff of milkweed in bloom. To me, that intoxicating scent -- sweet, spicy and ripe with an overtone of honey -- is the embodiment of high summer.
How do I start a butterfly garden in Ohio?
Provide cover and shelter such as broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and log piles. Provide several landing pads or sunbathing perches in open and sunny areas throughout the garden. Butter- flies rely to a large degree on thermal heating and sunbathe in these open spots. Provide a water source or puddle for butterflies.
Do monarchs lay eggs in Ohio?
Yes, you read that right. Monarchs act more like birds! Every fall, they migrate south to Mexico, and then each summer, these butterflies come back north to Ohio to reproduce and lay eggs.
What is the most common butterfly in Ohio?
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Monarch butterflies are likely the best known in Ohio and occur in all 88 counties.
Does milkweed grow back every year?
These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.
What is killing milkweed?
If common milkweed is growing in a garden area without lawn, kill it by thoroughly spraying the leaves with a ready-to-use herbicide containing glyphosate. Keep in mind glyphosate kills any plant it comes in contact with, including flowering plants, shrubs and grass, and can harm butterflies feeding on sprayed plants.
Will milkweed grow under pine trees?
Aptly named, Swamp Milkweed does very well in boggy conditions. It prefers slightly acidic spoil so it should be happy with the pine.
How many milkweed plants should I plant?
Spacing: To attract multitudes of monarchs to your garden, plant milkweed in groups of six or more, spacing plants or thinning seedlings to about 6 to 24 inches apart, depending on the species.
What is the best time to plant milkweed seeds?
Fall Planting - Fall is the best time for planting milkweed seeds. The seeds won't germinate until spring because they require natural freezing and thawing to soften the seed coat so that the embryo plant can grow. This process stops seedlings from emerging in the fall and being killed by winter cold.
How long does it take for milkweed to grow?
It takes at least a month for the plant to be ready for the larvae to eat. Once the plant is big enough, you can simply place the entire plant, pot and all, into the cage. After the larvae have eaten the leaves, simply cut the plant off about two inches above the soil and new shoots will grow in 3-4 weeks.
Will deer eat milkweed?
Despite milkweed's toxicity, there are many creatures other than monarchs that eat the leaves of this amazing plant. Deer and rabbits have been reported to eat milkweed leaves, and there are many other insects that feed on milkweed such as milkweed bugs, tussock moths, queen butterfly larvae, and more.
How do I grow milkweed?
Milkweed seed can be planted directly in soil, or started indoors. You can sow milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover them with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water the area frequently after planting until plants become established.
Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?
The Pet Poison Helpline reports that milkweed is a moderate to severe poisoning in dogs and cats, which means get to the vet as soon as you suspect your pet has ingested the plant, or even butterflies or caterpillars that eat milkweed. Buddy's symptoms were typical for poisoning, but other signs include: Drooling.
Why is milkweed a problem?
Tropical milkweed becomes a problem when planted in temperate areas where it does not die back in winter. A protozoan parasite of monarch butterflies, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE for short, can travel with monarchs visiting the plants and become deposited on leaves.
Does milkweed spread easily?
Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies' favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly.
Do you cut back milkweed in the fall?
It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. Cutting back the milkweed will also help to eliminate OE spores that may be present on the plant.
Will planting milkweed attract butterflies?
Many flowers — especially native plants — are terrific sources of nectar for monarch butterflies, but milkweed leaves are the only food monarch caterpillars eat. Monarchs butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants so the tiny caterpillars will have access to food the moment they hatch.
How long does it take milkweed to bloom?
The First Year. A first year Asclepias incarnata plant (Swamp Milkweed) will have to wait another two years before it's blushing vivid pink with nectar-rich flowers. The first year the young milkweed builds its roots. Deep sturdy roots that will help it survive drought, floods, and freeing temps.
Do milkweed plants survive the winter?
Milkweed can survive ranges that dip below freezing just fine. Zone 8 and above don't need to do anything to protect them. Ambient temperatures should be around 65-75F after the winter. Seeds won't germinate above 85F.
Are bees attracted to milkweed?
"Very fond of milkweed blossoms, bees will desert other flowers when these are available. The plants provide a good nectar flow. Bees discard the pollen. Assuming enough plants are available, milkweeds can bring a good crop of honey."
What plants grow well with milkweed?
A few companion plants that come to mind include Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), coneflower (Echinacea), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia), bergamot (Monarda), goldenrod (Solidago), ironweed (Vernonia), and various asters.
What do monarchs eat other than milkweed?
Most enthusiasts have found most success with butternut squash as a substitute for milkweed leaves. Some of the other vegetables that have successfully been fed to Monarch caterpillars in the last instar (last few days) are cucumber, zucchini, and pumpkin.
What butterfly looks like a monarch but is yellow?
Like the monarch, Western Tiger Swallowtails have striking patterns. You can easily distinguish them by their buttery, yellow coloring (blue and orange accenting). Though they are similar in size to our monarch, swallowtails' tailed (pointy) hindwings are a clear difference.