Project Milkweed
The Monarch butterfly is in a critical situation. Since 1992, their population and their vital host plant, milkweed, have declined by 90%. Milkweed is crucial for monarch caterpillars as their sole source of food and habitat. However, habitat loss from land development and the use of herbicides and pesticides are causing milkweed to vanish rapidly.
Free Milkweed Seeds
ORDERS HAVE ENDED FOR 2023 AND WILL RESUME DURING NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK JUNE 2024.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has temporarily closed online orders for free milkweed seed under Project Milkweed, responding to an overwhelming surge in demand. Launched in June 2023, this mail-order initiative aimed to restore landscapes and preserve habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinator species. Since its inception, TDOT has received an impressive 130,903 orders from Tennesseans, totaling 779,601 Red and Common Milkweed seed packets. The program is set to resume during National Pollinator Week in June 2024. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!
To ensure successful germination, it is recommended to plant the milkweed seeds before October 15th. The winter cold is essential for the germination process of milkweed seeds. Please find detailed information below regarding planting and maintenance guidelines to contribute to this cause.
Two Seed Species Selections:
Red Milkweed – Asclepias incarnata
For Small Gardens
Red Milkweed – Asclepias incarnata, also called swamp milkweed, is an erect, clump-forming, native perennial which is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows. Stems exude a toxic milky sap when cut. Flowers are followed by attractive seed pods (to 4″ long) which split open when ripe releasing silky-haired seeds easily carried by the wind. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies as a nectar source. Red milkweed is an important food source for the larval stage of Monarch butterflies.
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet- branching stems
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: White, pink, mauve flowers (1/4″ wide), each with five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown, appear in tight clusters (umbels), fragrant
Leaves: narrow, lance-shaped, taper-pointed leaves are 3-6″ long.
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Small Gardens, Naturalize, Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Common Milkweed – Asclepias syriaca
For Large Areas
Common Milkweed – Asclepias syriaca is a native perennial which occurs in fields, open woods, roadsides and along railroad tracks throughout much of North America. Stems and leaves exude a milky sap when cut or bruised. Flowers give way to prominent, warty seed pods (2-4″ long) which split open when ripe releasing their numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars).
VERY AGGRESSIVE. Easily grown from seed and will self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Can spread somewhat rapidly by rhizomes. Often forms extensive colonies in the wild which provide great benefit to Monarch and other butterfly species.
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet tall on stout, upright stems with thick, broad-oblong, reddish-veined,
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Pink, mauve, white
Leaves: green leaves (to 8″ long).
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium. Drought tolerant.
Maintenance: Low. Does well in poor, dryish soils.
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Fruit: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Planting & Maintenance — Residential & More
Milkweed Planting & Maintenance
Additional Resources
- Guide to Exceptional Tennessee Pollinator Plants
- Residencial Planting – West Tennessee
- Residencial Planting – Middle Tennessee
- Residencial Planting – East Tennessee
- Residencial Pollinator Habitat Checklist
- Residencial Pollinator Q & A
- Landscaping with Native Plants
- Landscaping with Native Evergreens
- Tennessee Department Of Transportation Landscape Design Guidelines
Photo by Marty Silver
Myth Busting: Milkweed Misconceptions
Myth #1: Milkweed as an Invasive Weed
Milkweed is a beneficial native wildflower. Despite its name, over 100 native milkweed species in the US are not classified as “noxious weeds.” Planting local species and understanding growth patterns prevents takeover.
Myth #2: Monarch Caterpillars eat more than Milkweed
Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on milkweed. Eggs laid on other plants lead to starvation. Female monarchs choose milkweed for survival.
Myth #3: Milkweed is only useful to Monarchs
Milkweed supports various species with nectar and as a food source, including milkweed bugs.
Myth #4: Toxicity and Planting
Milkweed contains toxins harmful to animals. However, most animals won’t eat it unless good forage is scarce because it tastes bad.
Handling tips:
- Use gloves and wash hands.
- Exclude from grazing animals’ hay.
- The toxicity level of Red Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) are in the “low to medium” range. The effects are generally not severe unless consumed in large quantities.
- Educate children about the plant’s toxicity and to not eat it or touch their eyes after handling.
- Avoid ingestion or contact with these plants, especially for pets and livestock, as even lower levels of exposure can cause potential health issues.
- If there’s any concern about exposure, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian or a medical professional.
Planting Milkweed Aids Monarch Conservation.
Dispel Myths, Spread Milkweed, Save Monarchs!
About The Monarch
To discover more about the extraordinary life of monarch butterflies, please explore the following resources:
The Life Cycle
The Great Migration
