15 of the Best Types of Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies

If you have decided to grow milkweed to help monarch butterflies on their migratory routes, let me join our fluttery orange friends in thanking you!

Since milkweeds are larval host plants for monarchs, increased plantings of these wildflowers will help populations of these regal butterflies in their efforts to make their grand migrations, a phenomenon which is in peril.

Now you just need to pick the best species for your area, since all milkweeds are not equal in the eyes (or tastebuds) of our black and orange buddies.

Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) depend on regionally available native milkweed species for food as they make their long trek.

So, if you don’t plant native species, the monarchs’ migratory pattern might be interrupted, causing harm to these winsome creatures. I’ll explain more about this just a little later.

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In this article, I’m going to give you an overview of 15 types of milkweed that are important to monarch butterflies, so that you can find the best species for your region.

You’ll find at least one species that will work for you no matter where you are in the continental US, as well as some options for Canadian gardeners.

I’ll also mention one species that is well-suited for Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.

In addition to the plants’ native regions, I’ll provide information on USDA Hardiness Zones, soil, light, and water needs, to help you pick the best one not just for your region, but for your specific growing conditions as well.

You’ll learn what to expect from these plants in terms of height,