Real Talk: Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa is a garden favorite for good reason: bold color, drought tolerance, and pollinator appeal. But when it comes to monarch caterpillars, some milkweeds do a little more of the heavy lifting. The best gardens use a mix: beauty and habitat.
Real talk: Milkweed
I’ll never forget the first time I planted a bed of blazing orange Asclepias tuberosa. That fiery color just pops in the garden, and it’s a dream for drought-tolerant landscapes. You probably know it already: tough as nails once established, gorgeous in the sun, and every pollinator from bees to hummingbirds seems drawn to it. In my mind (and in so many plant catalogs), it’s the quintessential “milkweed for butterflies.”
But here’s the honest gardener’s truth: when it comes to monarchs specifically, it’s a good milkweed, but not always the best.
What’s the Deal?
Yes, monarch butterflies will lay eggs on A. tuberosa and the caterpillars can eat it. It is a native species in much of North America and fully part of monarch ecology.
However, research and monitoring projects show that:
- Monarch females don’t always prefer it for egg-laying compared to other milkweeds. They tend to lay fewer eggs on butterfly weed plants than on some other Asclepias species.
- Monarch larvae will feed on it, but it’s often not their first choice, especially when more favored species like common or swamp milkweed are available.
- Compared to other milkweeds, A. tuberosa has one of the lowest cardenolide levels (the toxic compounds that help protect monarchs from predators). Lower cardenolides can mean less chemical defense for the caterpillars and less attraction from egg-laying females.
So, what’s really going on? Butterfly weed is absolutely usable, and monarchs do use it, but in the wild, it tends to be a backup or supplemental option, not the top pick (it’s kind of like giving them snacks when what they really want is a full meal).
In Defense of Asclepias tuberosa
All that said, Asclepias tuberosa absolutely earns its place in the landscape, and we’d hate to see it unfairly sidelined. It’s one of the most garden-friendly milkweeds available: it thrives in dry, sunny sites where other milkweeds struggle, requires very little maintenance once established, and doesn’t spread aggressively. For many homeowners, that alone makes it the gateway milkweed, the plant that actually gets planted. It’s also an outstanding nectar source for adult monarchs and other pollinators, blooming during peak butterfly season and lighting up gardens with color when many natives are just settling into green. In smaller yards, urban gardens, or tough roadside conditions, A. tuberosa often performs better than larger, more rambunctious milkweeds, and a milkweed that survives and blooms is far more valuable than one that never makes it into the ground.
Asclepias tuberosa is still phenomenal, it’s drought-tolerant, cheerful, and great for pollinators. If monarchs do find it in your yard, that’s a win. Just don’t be surprised if most monarch caterpillars show up on other milkweed species instead. It’s like planting a buffet: you want a variety, and some items just get more traffic.
Great Milkweed Choices for Monarch Gardens
If your goal is to support monarchs as a host plant (not just provide nectar), here are some species that tend to see higher egg-laying and caterpillar use, and that garden and nursery folks like to grow too:
- Asclepias syriaca
Common milkweed is often considered the gold standard when it comes to monarch host plants. Monarch females consistently choose it for egg-laying, and its large leaves support high numbers of caterpillars through every life stage. For homeowners with space, it creates the kind of dense, visible habitat monarchs naturally seek out. From a grower’s perspective, A. syriaca shines in restoration plantings, meadows, and naturalized areas where its spreading habit is an asset rather than a drawback. It’s a workhorse species that delivers real ecological impact.
- Asclepias incarnata
Swamp milkweed strikes a rare balance between ecological value and garden polish. Monarchs readily use it as a host plant, often laying eggs at higher rates than on A. tuberosa, while its upright form and fragrant pink blooms make it a favorite for residential gardens. It thrives in moist soils, rain gardens, and low areas where other milkweeds struggle, extending monarch habitat into different site conditions. For nurseries and landscapers, A. incarnata is an easy sell: dependable, beautiful, and versatile.
These species not only feed adult monarchs with nectar, they’re reliable places for moms to lay eggs and for caterpillars to grow big and strong.
Honorable Mentions
While straight species milkweeds often get the most attention for monarch support, a few standout selections and lesser-known species deserve a nod as well.
Asclepias incarnata ‘Cinderella’
A refined take on classic swamp milkweed, ‘Cinderella’ offers soft pink flowers, a more uniform habit, and strong garden appeal. It still provides reliable host value for monarchs while fitting beautifully into designed landscapes and residential gardens.
Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’
With crisp white flowers and the same monarch-friendly traits as the species, ‘Ice Ballet’ brings a lighter palette to the milkweed lineup. It’s especially appealing for gardeners looking to blend natives into more traditional or formal designs. Monarchs still recognize it as a host plant, and its strong ornamental value helps broaden milkweed’s appeal beyond the “wild” look.
Asclepias verticillata
Often overlooked, it punches above its weight for monarchs. Its fine, threadlike foliage and airy form make it a great fit for smaller gardens, prairie plantings, and dry to mesic sites. Monarchs readily use it as a host plant, and its subtle texture pairs beautifully with grasses and other native perennials. It’s a fantastic option for gardeners who want milkweed presence without bold, coarse foliage.
Don’t Write Off Butterfly weed!
Butterfly weed is a beautiful piece of the monarch garden puzzle. It brings color, resilience, and pollinator joy to landscapes. But if your mission is maximum monarch support, especially egg-laying and larval feeding, then think beyond just Asclepias tuberosa.
Plant a variety of native milkweeds, especially the species monarchs prefer, to create the kind of habitat that really makes a difference. And the good news? Many of these plants are available alongside butterfly weed, making it easy for both homeowners and nursery growers to offer thoughtful, ecologically meaningful gardens.
