Common Milkweed - Ask Extension
I believe I have common milkweed growing next to my fig tree. I understand that it is beneficial to butterflies, but would like to transplant it so it...
Knowledgebase
Common Milkweed #880661
Asked August 08, 2024, 8:55 AM EDT
I believe I have common milkweed growing next to my fig tree. I understand that it is beneficial to butterflies, but would like to transplant it so it can multiply. I’m thinking about dedicating a section of my garden to the milkweed. What is the best way to transplant it? Are the pods, seed pods that I can possibly plant or spread out into the garden? Or should I dig up the entire plant and move it. If the pods are full of seeds, can I spread them other places, like around my backyard and creek are? Thank you
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
That DOES look like common milkweed/Asclepias syriaca. I am attaching an excellent article about it: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers-pollinators/common-milkweed. I am not allowed to editorialize but I can draw your attention to the paragraph about growing it in your garden. I do so because it can become quite aggressive. Mine comes up in the grass. It is unlikely you will have to move any to have a "patch. The roots go very deep. It is a survivor plant. A rule of thumb to remember is the 1st year plants sleep; the 2nd they creep; the 3rd year, they LEAP. There are other plants: https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Wildlife/Attracting-Butterflies
Good luck and happy gardening.
Good luck and happy gardening.
