Milkweed Makes Great Hosts in Backyards

By Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

July 16, 2024

Milkwood being pollinated by bee. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

When we first moved into our home 20 years ago, my husband asked me what type of plant was growing in our yard. I informed him that it was called common milkweed, thinking he knew the importance of this flower. He did not and when he heard the word, “weed,” thought it need to be eradicated from our property. He is not the only one who will make this assumption, so learning the benefits of certain plants has become essential for preserving wildlife species.

Milkwood plant. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel. — **Milkweed plant. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.**

A weed, by definition, is something you don’t want growing in your garden. Just because something has the word “weed” in the name does not mean it must be removed from your yard.

Milkweed is a “host” plant for several species of insects. A host plant means that the larvae of certain insects will use only a handful or even one plant species as a food source. Monarch butterflies only have one host plant for their caterpillars, which is the common milkweed plant.

There are several species of milkweed that are native to New Jersey. Common milkweed is one of the more recognizable. They get their name from the milky sap that comes from the plant when it has been cut. The sap contains glycosides that make the larvae that consume the plant toxic to birds and other predators. The toxins remain through metamorphosis and adult butterflies warn predators of their toxicity through their showy orange colors.

Additionally, there are a number of medicinal values associated with milkweed. Some heart diseases may be treated with the same glycosides that protect the monarchs. Shawnee Indians used the sap to remove warts and the dried leaves were smoked to alleviate asthma symptoms.

After milkweed has been pollinated, pods containing fluffy seeds take place. When the pod has dried, it will crack open and the fluffy seeds are ready to spread more milkweed plants. Goldfinches (our state bird) like to use the parachute-type seeds as nesting materials.

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.