Milkweed

Asclepias spp

In Arizona, there are quite a few milkweed species that are well-suited for pollinator gardens due to their ability to attract and support various species of butterflies, particularly the Queen and iconic Monarch butterflies.

Here are some of the best milkweed species to consider planting in an Arizona pollinator garden:

1. Asclepias subulata (Desert Milkweed): This milkweed species is native to the desert regions of Arizona and is perfectly adapted to the state’s arid conditions. It has unique thread-like foliage and produces clusters of white to pinkish flowers. Desert Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarchs and provides nectar for a variety of pollinators.
2. Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed): Showy Milkweed is a native perennial that thrives in the arid regions of Arizona. It produces large, attractive pink flowers and serves as a valuable food source for monarch caterpillars. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions and is well-suited for the state’s climate.
3. Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed): Butterfly Milkweed is another excellent choice for Arizona gardens. It features vibrant orange flowers and is well-loved by monarchs, as well as other butterflies and bees. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it suitable for the desert environment.
4. Asclepias linaria (Pineneedle Milkweed): Pineneedle Milkweed is a smaller, clump-forming milkweed species that is native to Arizona. It has narrow, needle-like leaves and clusters of pale yellow to greenish-white flowers. It attracts butterflies and bees and can thrive in the dry, rocky soils of the region.
5. Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed): Native to western North America, including parts of Arizona, Narrowleaf Milkweed is a perennial plant with slender, lance-shaped leaves. It produces clusters of small, pale pink flowers and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies and a food source for various pollinators.
6. Asclepias angustifolia (Arizona Milkweed): This milkweed species is specifically found in Arizona and is well-adapted to the state’s desert regions. It features narrow, gray-green leaves and clusters of small, pale pink flowers. Arizona Milkweed is known to attract monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
7. Asclepias cryptoceras (Pallid Milkweed): Pallid Milkweed is a native Arizona species with pale yellowish-green flowers. It grows well in sandy or rocky soils and is particularly adapted to dry desert environments. It provides nectar for pollinators and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies.
8. Asclepias asperula (Spider Milkweed): Spider Milkweed is a drought-tolerant species native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona. It has unique, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink or purple and attracts a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.
9. Asclepias erosa (Desert Green Milkweed): Found in the desert regions of Arizona, Desert Green Milkweed is a low-growing perennial with pale green leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. It can withstand extreme heat and dry conditions and is a valuable food source for monarch butterflies.
10. Asclepias albicans (White-stemmed Milkweed): White-stemmed Milkweed is a native perennial found in the desert regions of Arizona. It is characterized by its distinctive white stems and gray-green leaves. The flowers are small and white, and they are arranged in clusters. This species is well-adapted to hot and dry conditions, making it suitable for Arizona’s climate.
11. Asclepias latifolia (Broadleaf Milkweed): Broadleaf Milkweed is a native Arizona species with large, broad leaves and clusters of pink to purple flowers. It thrives in dry, rocky soils and provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.

By planting a combination of these milkweed species, you can create a diverse and attractive pollinator garden that provides nectar and pollen as well as larval food for pollinators. It’s essential to provide a variety of milkweeds to cater to different species’ preferences and to ensure a continuous food source throughout the growing season. Remember to consider the specific growing conditions of your garden and select milkweed species that are well-suited to the Arizona climate.

Milkweeds offer several benefits for both the local ecosystem and the pollinators themselves. Here are some key advantages:

1. Support for Queen and Monarch Butterflies: Milkweeds are the sole host plants for these butterflies. By planting milkweeds in your garden, you provide essential habitat and food for Queens and Monarchs at various stages of their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to adult butterfly.
2. Biodiversity and Habitat Creation: Milkweeds attract a diverse range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and other insects. By incorporating different milkweed species in your pollinator garden, you can create a diverse and vibrant habitat that supports a variety of pollinator species. This promotes biodiversity and contributes to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
3. Conservation Efforts: Monarch butterflies face significant population declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. By planting milkweeds, particularly native species, you actively participate in monarch conservation efforts. Supporting their life cycle and providing nectar sources helps sustain and increase monarch populations in Arizona and beyond.
4. Educational Opportunities: Milkweeds offer excellent educational opportunities, especially for children and students. Observing the fascinating life cycle of monarch butterflies and their interactions with milkweed plants can foster an appreciation for nature, pollinators, and the importance of conservation. It’s a hands-on way to learn about ecological relationships and the interconnectedness of species.
5. Garden Aesthetics: Milkweeds can be visually appealing additions to your garden. Many species have attractive flowers and unique foliage, adding color, texture, and interest to the landscape. By incorporating milkweeds, you can create a beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden that attracts not only pollinators but also human admiration.

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Also see:

• Milkweed Bugs: Friend or Foe?

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Arizona is host to about 30 species of milkweeds (Asclepias) ranging from low desert to riparian corridors to grasslands and all the way up into pine forest zones.

Pay attention to where you’re buying a milkweed plant – large volume chain stores and some smaller nurseries treat plants with long lasting insecticides that can harm pollinators. Expect to see some aphids on milkweed plants most of the time; the absence of aphids may be an indicator that the plant has been treated with pesticides. If in question, ask the staff, although they may not be able to answer with certainty.

Aphids are not harmful to the plant and you should expect them on milkweeds in your garden. They also provide a food source for predators and a true ecological balance can only be achieved if you let nature balance the equation.

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