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

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.

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).

We want to hear from you!

Did you plant TDOT milkweed seeds last year? We want to hear your story! 🌱✨ Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or X and share your journey and photos with us. Let’s celebrate your green thumb and the monarch butterflies together! 🌸🦋 📸 You can do this by direct messaging us or by posting and using the hashtag #TDOTProjectMilkweed!

Planting & Maintenance — Residential & More

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:

1. Use gloves and wash hands.
2. Exclude from grazing animals’ hay.
3. 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.
4. Educate children about the plant’s toxicity and to not eat it or touch their eyes after handling.
5. Avoid ingestion or contact with these plants, especially for pets and livestock, as even lower levels of exposure can cause potential health issues.
6. 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