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Tropical Butterfly Weed Plant #873138

Asked June 14, 2024, 3:23 PM EDT

I accidentally bought a tropical butterfly weed plant instead of the Asclepias tuberosa. My research tells me the tropical plant can be a problem for the survival of Monarchs. Should I throw it away now or can I use it for a season and throw away in late August/early September (or when)? Thank you!

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

It is somewhat up for debate. We have not researched it, but there is a blog article from Iowa State Extension that has some interesting points. The problem seems to be 2 fold. 

1) The blooms last longer and potentially Monarchs don't get the cue to end egg laying for the season on time to migrate. 

2) This is more in southern regions and could potentially be a problem with warming winters trending in Maryland but on the tropical milkweeds that don't die back to the ground, they can harbor a parasite that can harm the butterflies. 

So it would be a choice you could make but we feel that it having it as an annual for the summer should be fine. Removing it by September should be ok. 

It is a common mistake for the tropical species to get confused with the native, unfortunately. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 17, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

Hi, Emily,

I really appreciate your response as well as the blog link to the Iowa State Extension’s  information on tropical milkweed. Your thoughts (and the article) were very helpful as I pondered what to do.  I ended up throwing the plant away. Thank you so very much for your help!

Sincerely,

Cathy 

The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT

Hi Cathy, You are very welcome! Happy to help!

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 19, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT

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