Milkweed

• Butterfly Weed Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Low to Moderate

Height: 1-2 feet

Bloom Time: Summer

Description: Butterfly Weed Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native Texas perennial known for its vibrant orange or yellow flowers that attract butterflies, especially monarchs. It serves as a critical host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing essential food and habitat. Thriving in hot, sunny locations with well-drained soil, Butterfly Weed Milkweed is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for pollinator gardens and natural landscapes in Texas.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Water regularly until established, then water occasionally.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: Yes

• Antelope Horns Milkweed (Asclepias asperula)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Low to Moderate

Height: 2-3 feet

Bloom Time: Summer

Description: Antelope Horns Milkweed (Asclepias asperula) is a native Texas perennial featuring greenish-white flowers and distinctive seed pods resembling antelope horns. It is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies, providing essential food and habitat for their caterpillars. Thriving in well-drained soil, Antelope Horns Milkweed is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for butterfly gardens and naturalized areas in Texas.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-24 inches apart.
• Water regularly until established, then water occasionally.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: Yes

• Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Low to Moderate

Height: 1-3 feet

Bloom Time: Summer

Description: Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a Texas native perennial known for its greenish-white flowers that bloom in summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. It is an essential host plant for monarch butterflies, providing critical habitat and food sources for their caterpillars. Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, Green Milkweed is drought-tolerant once established, contributing to biodiversity and monarch conservation efforts in Texas gardens and natural landscapes.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Water regularly until established, then water occasionally.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: Yes

• Pearl Milkweed (Matelea reticulata)
  Also known as Green Milkweed Vine or Netleaf Milkweed

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Low to Moderate

Height: Vining; can reach 6–10 feet with support

Bloom Time: Spring through Summer

Description:
Pearl Milkweed is a unique Texas native vine admired for its small green flowers with a pearly, opalescent center that shines like a bead. As a member of the milkweed family, it plays an important role in pollinator gardens by serving as a host plant for Monarch and Queen butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on its leaves. Its blooms also provide nectar for a wide range of pollinators including native bees, making it both ecologically valuable and visually striking. With its twining habit, Pearl Milkweed naturally climbs fences, shrubs, or trellises, creating a charming and wildlife-friendly display.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny to lightly shaded location.

• Provide a trellis, shrub, or other structure for climbing.

• Water moderately until established, then sparingly.

• Cut back lightly in late winter to encourage fresh growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring or Fall

Nativity to Texas: Yes

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• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Water Requirements: Medium to high; thrives in moist or wet soils

Height: 3–5 feet

Bloom Time/Harvest Time: Summer

Description:
A tall native milkweed with clusters of fragrant pink to mauve flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. A critical host plant for Monarch butterflies. Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, and consistently moist landscapes.

Planting Tips:

• Prefers consistently moist soil for best growth
• Cut back in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth
• Excellent choice for pollinator gardens and bioswales

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring/Summer for Fall

Nativity to Texas: Yes

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• Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

Sun Requirements: Full sun

Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought tolerant once established

Height: 1–3 feet

Bloom Time/Harvest Time: Summer to early fall

Description:
A fine-textured native milkweed with narrow, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls along slender stems. Produces clusters of small white to greenish flowers that attract native pollinators and serve as an important host plant for Monarch butterflies. Excellent for prairie plantings and dry native landscapes.

Planting Tips:

• Prefers well-drained soils and open sunny areas
• Avoid overwatering once established
• Pairs well with grasses and other prairie natives

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring/Summer for Fall

Nativity to Texas: Yes