Asclepias are hardy perennials commonly known as Milkweed and are the host plants for Monarch butterflies. The Monarch population has been drastically reduced mostly due to loss of habitat and cannot survive without milkweed plants. For more information go to: www.monarchjointventure.org Planting Asclepias helps out not only the Monarchs but other pollinators as well.
Fun Facts from Monarchwatch.org: Native Americans of Appalachia dried the leaves of this plant for tea to induce vomiting. Also, in the 1800’s, the sap from this plant was used to treat smallpox.