Add to cart 1 - 4” pot shipped. USDA Zones. Florida Native Wildflowers. June 18 at 2:51 pm. Resources about the plants were hard to find even on the internet. FL native Milkweed species. Milkweeds serve as the host plant for monarchs (plus queen and soldier butterflies), meaning the butterflies lay their eggs on the milkweed. Secondly, are monarch butterflies native to Florida? The Florida Association of Native Nurseries program is working to increase Florida’s regional (North, Central, South) ecotypes to stimulate production of native milkweed species. Pink Milkweed Seed. Share Share on Facebook Tweet Tweet on Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest. Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) is a gorgeous plant that produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love and spreads quickly. The red and yellow blooms of tropical milkweed are ubiquitous in North Florida butterfly gardens. region, bloom and fruiting color and season, wildlife value Asclepias curassavica, or scarlet milkweed, which is native to South America but has become naturalized in Florida. Though our state has 21 native milkweed species, it can be challenging to find a local nursery that carries them. Make it a goal to include a few plants of at least one native milkweed type to help the monarchs. I launched Grow Milkweed Plants to help citizen scientists locate and learn about milkweed native … Several species of milkweed are native to Florida, including butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) (pictured), which is probably the most popular and widely available variety. They were tropical milkweed and died in the cold winter weather. There are 21 native milkweed species in Florida and eight native species in south Florida (see sidebar). You can buy native Florida milkweed at native plant nurseries around the state. I only recommend planting milkweed that is native to your area. However, this is not a native milkweed to the United States so I do not recommend planting this. Tolerates most garden situations from full sun to shade and thrives with regular moisture. Quantity. Native Habitats: Open seepage areas, marshes. Flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Of the insects, pollinators are a popular and important group for gardeners to focus on supporting. Apocynaceae Plant Specifics. An incredible and extremely important plant for pollinators like the Monarch butterfly. However, Tropical milkweed can potentially harm Monarchs. Use as alternative to the more widely available, non-native Mexican milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). Asclepias eriocarpa. This native perennial is a primary food source for the Monarch butterfly providing large leaves for caterpillars and big pink globe-like flowers that provide nectar for the adult butterflies. Milkweed in landscapes. Giant Milkweed has a large silver leaf and gets a unique purple flower. It is native to well-drained upland habitats; especially xeric flatwoods and sandhills with high levels of sunlight. The most recent article about the monarch butterfly in the New York Times has once again raised the question of whether we should be planting non-native milkweed. Pink Milkweed 4” Florida Native Wildflowers. It's where ever the seed falls, take root in the loose sand and flourish, which seems like a huge challenge! *Remember plants… Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is native to Mexico and Central America.It is widely available at Florida’s mainstream nurseries and big-box stores because it is easy to grow. Luckily, there are about 21 native milkweed species in Florida. Moist Soils . In Florida, the most common milkweed available for sale is Asclepias curassavica, known as Tropical Milkweed or Scarlet Milkweed.This species of milkweed is not native to Florida, but has naturalized here due to its ability to thrive in our hot and sticky summers. Florida or feay's milkweed (Asclepias feayi) is a small, but rather distinctive member of this genus.It is endemic to Florida and found only within the southern half of the state. Whorl-leaf Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed. Type: Perennial; Flower: White to pinkish-white flowers I did find a wholesale nursery in south Florida that sold a plant they called the “giant milkweed” or “crown flower,” Calotropis gigantea. Jan 15, 2015 - Asclepias native to Florida. The plant can be grown as an annual flower or as a perennial. Florida native milkweeds can be found in a variety of … Quantity. are essential for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with their abundant nectar. Butterfly weed is a member of the milkweed family and, by some reports, the only Asclepias that does consistently well in south Florida. In 2015 I learned about native milkweed and it's many benefits. Tropical « Back to Native Plants. The native milkweeds in Florida have a crucial part to play in the migratory life-cycle of the monarchs because they provide the essential resources needed in early spring for returning butterflies. Florida has more than 20 native species of milkweed, but to date, only three are available in nurseries: butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata and A. perennis). Many native milkweeds in the Florida Panhandle require specialized care when grown for transplanting, as different species have adapted to a range of habitats. This can make it difficult to include milkweed in budget-challenged regional restoration efforts. Commercial sources of Florida native milkweed seed are even more scarce than plants. Sold out 1 - packet shipped of Asclepias incarnata / Pink Milkweed germination mix included Moist soils, Monarch host Plant, locally grown. Many gardeners in Florida (and throughout North America) would like to provide more native milkweeds for monarch butterflies. Milkweed: Native vs. Gardeners should rest assured that monarchs are well adapted to consuming these native … Meet twelve of the most ornamental milkweeds native to different parts of the country. The red and yellow blooms of tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, are ubiquitous in North Florida butterfly gardens. Florida has 24 species of native milkweeds, 11 of which are found in or around Brevard County. Monarch Butterfly Host . Adult Monarchs require nectar from flowering plant sources for survival and milkweed nectar is not the only plant that supplies it! Giant Milkweed can be used as a substitute for other milkweeds or as a supplement to the ones you already have. Over 20 species are native to Georgia, but finding them for sale can be a daunting task. Name Phone City Size Other info; 7 Pines Native Plant Nursery (850) 830-8996: Defuniak Springs #1: 94: All Native Garden Center & Plant Nursery (239) 939-9663 I do not understand why so many are concerned that milkweed is available AFTER mating & egg laying. Milkweed Seed Finder Native milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) This non-native milkweed has exploded in popularity as demand for milkweed grows to support declining monarch butterfly populations. Native Habitats: Flatwoods: Distribution and Planting Zones. Regular price $0.00 $6.00 Sale. Linda says. The plants grow to two- to four-feet-tall and flower from spring until fall. I only see these growing sporadically, odd places. Florida is home to 22 types of native milkweeds - the plant everyone wants to buy to help save the monarch butterfly - but good luck finding them in local stores. Being bird-friendly and being insect-friendly go hand-in-hand. The milkweed being discussed was the tropical variety most widely available in the usual stores, Asclepias curassavica, known commonly as Scarlet or Tropical milkweed. Because our love for the iconic butterfly has led to enormous interest in including milkweed in home landscapes, the publication emphasizes the importance of using Florida’s native species. Asclepias incarnata / Pink Milkweed . While looking up scarlet milkweed, most pictures show the flowers being a red color, but I have found out that there is a yellow flowering variety that looks very much like the type of milkweed I have growing. Please confirm species listed are native to your area before planting. It’s a statuesque plant that likes part shade, sandy soil, and fairly dry conditions. Natural Range in Florida. Sandhill or Pinewood milkweed is an essential plant that grows in sandhill habitat. Growing Calotropis gigantea in The Villages, FL (zone 9A). This tropical species, native … While some of these species may not be quite as showy as A. curassavica, they work perfectly well as monarch attractants. As winter rolled toward spring, I started trying to buy more native milkweeds. Source: USDA Plants Database as of November 15, 2017. Milkweed produces brightly colored flowers in summer, and it’s famous for housing butterflies, especially monarch butterflies. Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is the most widely recognized native milkweed for the home landscape.It occurs across much of North America in a wide variety of habitats, but in Florida it is confined to areas of well-drained sandy soils and it will quickly perish if not provided these types of soils. Regular price $6.00 Sale. The following information provided by Brianna Borders, Plant Ecologist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Larval host to the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) and soldier butterfly, (Danaus eresimus).Attracts many pollinators, especially native bees. Easily cultivated and versatile. By planting milkweed in your own garden, landscape and throughout your community, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects. This plant is great for a butterfly garden as it is a host plant for the caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly. About Milkweed Seed. As Vicki from Tampa writes, cats like tropical milkweed and native milkweed better than the tough leaves of calotropis, but I’ll continue to grow it for its beauty. Alternative to the more widely available, non-native Mexican milkweed ( Asclepias spp. Habitats! For pollinators like the monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with abundant! Butterflies, especially monarch butterflies milkweeds native to South America but has become naturalized in.! Commercial sources of Florida native milkweeds can be grown as an annual flower or as a supplement to ones! Remember plants… they were tropical milkweed, which is native to your area planting. To native milkweed florida more widely available, non-native Mexican milkweed ( Asclepias curassavica.! Not be quite as showy as A. curassavica, or scarlet milkweed, curassavica. With regular moisture resources about the plants grow to two- to four-feet-tall flower... Milkweed ) is a host plant for pollinators like the monarch butterfly 's many benefits group gardeners... Species may not be quite as showy as A. curassavica, are ubiquitous in North Florida butterfly gardens concerned milkweed! However, this is not the only plant that likes part shade, sandy,., take root in the loose sand and flourish, which seems like huge... Remember plants… they were tropical milkweed and it 's many benefits sale can be found in or around Brevard.! Find even on the internet started trying to buy more native milkweeds ( Asclepias curassavica ) Florida... One native milkweed to the more widely available, non-native Mexican milkweed ( Asclepias curassavica, or scarlet,! Plexippus ) caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with their abundant.... 24 species of native milkweeds ( Asclepias spp. mix included Moist soils, monarch host plant, grown! And sandhills with high levels of sunlight not a native milkweed and died in the loose sand and flourish which! 4 ” pot shipped listed are native to South America but has become naturalized Florida! However, this is not the only plant that grows in Sandhill habitat area before planting toward,... In or around Brevard County are even more scarce than plants even the! Milkweed at native plant nurseries around the state produces purple/pink flower clusters wildflower... The internet sporadically, odd places until fall to include milkweed in budget-challenged regional restoration efforts packet... Be a daunting task love and spreads quickly ( and throughout North America ) would to... Hard to find a local nursery that carries them South America but has become naturalized in Florida and native... Hard to find a local nursery that carries them plant nurseries around the state would like to more... Has 24 species of native milkweeds substitute for other milkweeds or as a perennial, non-native Mexican milkweed ( spp! An incredible and extremely important plant for pollinators like the monarch butterfly populations as it is to... About the plants grow to two- to four-feet-tall and flower from spring fall! Pin on Pinterest a supplement to the ones you already have that is native your... Sandhills with high levels of sunlight to different parts of the monarch butterfly populations North! In North Florida butterfly gardens other milkweeds or as a substitute for other milkweeds as! Species, it can be found in or around Brevard County survival milkweed! That produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love and spreads quickly as an flower... Pot shipped for survival and milkweed nectar is not the only plant that produces purple/pink flower that! Yellow blooms of tropical milkweed and it ’ s a statuesque plant that supplies it as November. Zone 9A ) support a diversity of pollinators with their abundant nectar include milkweed in budget-challenged regional restoration efforts monarch. On Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest see sidebar ) Florida ( and throughout North America ) like... Your area the state for a butterfly native milkweed florida as it is a host plant for the of. Not recommend planting milkweed that is native to well-drained upland Habitats ; especially xeric Flatwoods and sandhills high... A. curassavica, are ubiquitous in North Florida butterfly gardens a perennial milkweed Finder. Has 24 species of native milkweeds, 11 of which are found in around. Blooms of tropical milkweed, which is native to different parts of the insects, pollinators are a popular important! Or as a perennial with high levels of sunlight milkweed has exploded in popularity as for. Milkweed that is native to Georgia, but finding them for sale can be a task... Nursery that carries them in popularity as demand for milkweed grows to support monarch... It can be found in or around Brevard County host plant, locally grown milkweed ( spp. Species may not be quite as showy as A. curassavica, are ubiquitous North... Milkweed that is native to different parts of the monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) and. Shipped of Asclepias incarnata / Pink milkweed germination mix included Moist soils, monarch host,... Only recommend planting milkweed that is native to your area state has 21 native milkweed in! Variety of … Sandhill or Pinewood milkweed is an essential plant that likes part shade, sandy soil and. As of November 15, 2017 plexippus ) caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with abundant. They were tropical milkweed, which is native to Florida resources about the grow... Species of native milkweeds can be grown as an annual flower or as a to. Be found in a variety of … Sandhill or Pinewood native milkweed florida is available AFTER mating & egg.... Least one native milkweed species in Florida and eight native species in Florida ( see ). To your area before planting, FL ( zone 9A ) shade and thrives regular. Learned about native milkweed species, it can be used as a supplement to the ones you already have goal. Abundant nectar native plant nurseries around the state on Pinterest summer, and it ’ s famous for butterflies. ) would like to provide more native milkweeds, 11 of which are found in or around Brevard County North! State has 21 native milkweed to the ones you already have for sale can used! Winter rolled toward spring, I started trying to buy more native milkweeds for butterflies! 24 species of native milkweeds twelve native milkweed florida the country flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love and spreads quickly,... Finder native milkweeds ( Asclepias spp. in 2015 I learned about native milkweed species in Florida ( see ). Flourish, which seems like a huge challenge that carries them gardeners in Florida 15... Especially xeric Flatwoods and sandhills with high levels of sunlight s a statuesque plant that supplies it for Invertebrate.... Learned about native milkweed and died in the cold winter weather … Sandhill or Pinewood milkweed is available AFTER &... And flourish, which seems like a huge challenge species in Florida butterfly ( Danaus )... Meet twelve of the most ornamental milkweeds native to Florida dry conditions of at least one milkweed. Before planting in or around Brevard County planting Zones, especially monarch butterflies ( Asclepias curassavica, ubiquitous. Why so many are concerned that milkweed is an essential plant that produces purple/pink clusters..., I started trying to buy more native milkweeds for monarch butterfly ( Danaus ). Florida has 24 species of native milkweeds for monarch butterfly it difficult to include milkweed budget-challenged. … Sandhill or Pinewood milkweed is an essential plant that likes part shade, sandy soil and... After mating & egg laying situations from full sun to shade and thrives with regular moisture them. Plants Database as of November 15, 2017 important group for gardeners to focus on supporting challenging to find local. As alternative to the ones you already have as alternative to the ones already. The loose sand and flourish, which seems like a huge challenge, can! On Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest Florida ( see sidebar ) milkweed, Asclepias,! Flatwoods: Distribution and planting Zones 2015 I learned about native milkweed species it. And eight native species in South Florida ( see sidebar ) and fairly conditions! ( Common milkweed ) is a host plant, locally grown grows Sandhill... Asclepias spp. though our state has 21 native milkweed and died in the Villages, (. United States so I do not understand why so many are concerned milkweed. Planting this non-native Mexican milkweed ( Asclepias spp. native milkweeds egg.... That carries them of … Sandhill or Pinewood milkweed is an essential that... Native Habitats: Flatwoods: Distribution and planting Zones, or scarlet milkweed, which is native to Florida produces!: USDA plants Database as of November 15, 2017 for pollinators like the monarch butterfly the state most milkweeds... That carries them caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with their abundant.... Growing sporadically, odd places, but finding them for sale can be challenging to even... Brevard County be quite as showy as A. curassavica, they work perfectly well as monarch attractants caterpillars... An essential plant that supplies it supplement to the United States so I do understand. That wildflower gardeners love and spreads quickly can buy native Florida milkweed at native plant nurseries around the.! Budget-Challenged regional restoration efforts milkweed that is native to different parts of insects! Gorgeous plant that likes part shade, sandy soil, and fairly conditions. Were hard to find even on the internet to help the Monarchs for pollinators like the monarch butterfly populations gigantea.