Organic Spider milkweed seeds
Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), also known as Green Antelopehorn Milkweed
A humble yet profoundly impactful native perennial, Spider Milkweed is a cornerstone plant for supporting the iconic monarch butterfly and enriching your local ecosystem.
Ecological Benefits:
THE Monarch Host Plant: Spider Milkweed is absolutely essential for the monarch butterfly life cycle. Female monarchs exclusively lay their eggs on milkweed species, and monarch caterpillars feed only on milkweed leaves. Spider Milkweed provides the crucial food source for monarch larvae to grow and develop into butterflies.
Monarch Toxin Sequestration: The milky sap of Spider Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to most predators. Monarch caterpillars consume these toxins, sequestering them in their bodies, and this makes both the caterpillars and adult butterflies unpalatable and often toxic to predators like birds. This chemical defense, acquired directly from the milkweed, is vital for monarch survival.
Early Season Availability: In many parts of its native range (Central and Southeastern US), Spider Milkweed is one of the earliest milkweed species to emerge in spring. This timing is critical for the first generations of monarchs migrating northward from Mexico, providing a vital food source when other milkweeds may still be dormant.
Pollinator Nectar Source: While its primary role is as a host plant, the greenish-white flowers with purplish centers also provide nectar for adult monarch butterflies and a variety of other pollinators, including bees and other beneficial insects.
Drought Tolerance & Adaptability: As a hardy, native perennial, Spider Milkweed is well-adapted to dry to medium, well-drained soils and full sun. It's often found in prairies, pastures, roadsides, and open areas, showcasing its resilience and ability to thrive in tough conditions.
Deer Resistant: Its unpalatable nature to deer and other mammalian herbivores makes it a great choice for gardens where Browse is a concern
Cultivation:
Sowing: Best sown directly outdoors in the fall or after a cold stratification period if started indoors. Seeds generally require a period of cold, moist stratification for successful germination.
Method: Surface sow the seeds by gently sprinkling them over the soil, then lightly pressing them in.
Moisture: Maintain consistently moist soil during germination. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
Location: Choose a sunny spot with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay.
Growth Habit: Typically grows 1-2.5 feet tall with multiple stems emerging from the root crown, forming a well-behaved clump in the garden. Its deep taproot contributes to its drought resistance.
Blooming: Expect unique green flowers with purple highlights to bloom from late spring through early summer, often from May to July, depending on the region.
Supporting Monarchs: To maximize its benefit for monarchs, consider planting Spider Milkweed in groups or patches. While caterpillars will readily use young plants, in some areas, mowing or cutting back plants in mid-summer can stimulate new, tender growth, extending its usefulness for monarch egg-laying later in the season.
Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), also known as Green Antelopehorn Milkweed
A humble yet profoundly impactful native perennial, Spider Milkweed is a cornerstone plant for supporting the iconic monarch butterfly and enriching your local ecosystem.
Ecological Benefits:
THE Monarch Host Plant: Spider Milkweed is absolutely essential for the monarch butterfly life cycle. Female monarchs exclusively lay their eggs on milkweed species, and monarch caterpillars feed only on milkweed leaves. Spider Milkweed provides the crucial food source for monarch larvae to grow and develop into butterflies.
Monarch Toxin Sequestration: The milky sap of Spider Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to most predators. Monarch caterpillars consume these toxins, sequestering them in their bodies, and this makes both the caterpillars and adult butterflies unpalatable and often toxic to predators like birds. This chemical defense, acquired directly from the milkweed, is vital for monarch survival.
Early Season Availability: In many parts of its native range (Central and Southeastern US), Spider Milkweed is one of the earliest milkweed species to emerge in spring. This timing is critical for the first generations of monarchs migrating northward from Mexico, providing a vital food source when other milkweeds may still be dormant.
Pollinator Nectar Source: While its primary role is as a host plant, the greenish-white flowers with purplish centers also provide nectar for adult monarch butterflies and a variety of other pollinators, including bees and other beneficial insects.
Drought Tolerance & Adaptability: As a hardy, native perennial, Spider Milkweed is well-adapted to dry to medium, well-drained soils and full sun. It's often found in prairies, pastures, roadsides, and open areas, showcasing its resilience and ability to thrive in tough conditions.
Deer Resistant: Its unpalatable nature to deer and other mammalian herbivores makes it a great choice for gardens where Browse is a concern
Cultivation:
Sowing: Best sown directly outdoors in the fall or after a cold stratification period if started indoors. Seeds generally require a period of cold, moist stratification for successful germination.
Method: Surface sow the seeds by gently sprinkling them over the soil, then lightly pressing them in.
Moisture: Maintain consistently moist soil during germination. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
Location: Choose a sunny spot with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay.
Growth Habit: Typically grows 1-2.5 feet tall with multiple stems emerging from the root crown, forming a well-behaved clump in the garden. Its deep taproot contributes to its drought resistance.
Blooming: Expect unique green flowers with purple highlights to bloom from late spring through early summer, often from May to July, depending on the region.
Supporting Monarchs: To maximize its benefit for monarchs, consider planting Spider Milkweed in groups or patches. While caterpillars will readily use young plants, in some areas, mowing or cutting back plants in mid-summer can stimulate new, tender growth, extending its usefulness for monarch egg-laying later in the season.