Have you ever wondered… Why ‘Milkweed?’
“I put milkweed in the story because I wanted you to look out for the small, uplifting, upward moving stuff even in all the horror. The little pure white wisps going up… metaphors for angels and other good things… and also the bird-like husks that release these puffs.”
- Jerry Spinelli, Author of Milkweed
Hello, devoted followers of our animated film project.
You know that “Milkweed” is the title of Jerry Spinelli’s award-winning young adult novel. But how much do you know about the plant itself? Read below for a little primer on this special plant. And then take our quiz so that you might plant milkweed in your garden this Fall. The endangered monarch butterflies will love you for it. Good luck!
What is milkweed?
Milkweed is a native perennial wildflower that supports diverse invertebrate wildlife, including wild native bees and honeybees and, most important, monarch butterflies. The milkweed plant provides all the nourishment the monarch needs to transform the caterpillar into the adult butterfly. Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which contains complex chemicals that make the plant unpalatable to most animals. The plant has fleshy, pod-like fruits that split when mature, releasing the seeds. White, fluffy hairs attached to each seed, also called coma, floss, or silk, facilitate wind dispersal of the seed.
There are more than 100 species of milkweed in the United States. Some thrive in humid conditions; others prefer it very dry. They are fine in shade but prefer sun. As a perennial, they will come back every year, despite harsh winter conditions. They typically bloom rosy pink flowers.
What is the best time to plant milkweed seeds?
Milkweed seed should ideally be planted in the fall. Exposure to cold temperatures and moist conditions during winter, in fact, will stimulate germination. Spring planting is also possible but artificial stratification of the seed is recommended to enhance germination. Asclepias syriaca (the kind of Milkweed pictured above) is native to the central and eastern half of the United States and Canada. It is easy to grow and does well in many different soil types. We’re looking at YOU, hearty Minnesotans!
For best results, milkweed seeds should be refrigerated in damp paper towels in a plastic bag prior to planting. Then they should be planted in 1/8th inch of good sunny soil. They should be kept moist for 10-14 days after planting. The planting instructions are also on the back of each seed packet.
Where do I go for more information?
Ready to win a free packet of Milkweed seeds?