As pollinator populations continue to face unprecedented challenges, the humble milkweed plant has emerged as a botanical hero. But not all milkweed is created equal though and knowing which one is native to your region is critical. A reason we do not ship out non-native milkweed.
Milkweed is the sole host plant for monarch butterfly larvae. Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed leaves, which then provide the only food source for their caterpillars. Without milkweed, monarchs cannot reproduce.
But beyond being a larval food source, milkweed supports a diversity of insects and pollinators, including bees, beetles, and beneficial bugs. It’s a cornerstone of ecological health.
Planting non-native milkweed species, inadvertently harming monarchs and their fragile populations. In addition, it disrupts monarch migration patterns by encouraging overwintering in regions they wouldn’t naturally stay. Non-native milkweed Increases the spread of OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), a debilitating parasite that affects monarch development and flight ability. In addition, non-native milkweed alters the genetic resilience of local monarch populations by interfering with natural breeding and migration behaviors. Lastly, the reseeding (and invasion) of non-native milkweed species can have serious consequences for years to come.
When milkweed grows out of sync with the local climate and monarch life cycles, it throws the entire ecological web out of balance causing unprecedented damage to a specie that is already on the Endangered List.
In today’s world, planting is a radical act. Every milkweed seed planted in its native soil is a gesture of restoration, an invitation to monarchs, and a commitment to regenerating what has been lost.
By choosing native species, you’re not just planting a flower—you’re helping preserve a 3,000-mile migration, an ancient dance of wings and wind that links North America from Canada to Mexico.
Your garden has the power to heal, protect, and inspire. Join us in planting only native milkweed—and become part of the solution for monarchs and the planet.
It is recommended to plant your milkweed in the fall. This allows for your seeds to naturally be cold-stratified. If you are planting outside of this season, your seeds must be cold-stratified for proper germination. Check our milkweed product pages for directions on how to best cold-stratify your seeds! Also keep in mind milkweed is a perennial so think about where you are planting her, because she will come up year after year.
It is an honor, as a seed company, to educate our customers. That's why we are committed to shipping only regionally native milkweed. We take this responsibility seriously and take great joy in educating those who are dedicated to supporting monarch populations.
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