At Johnny Butterflyseed, we’re thrilled to announce our newest native seed offering: UnCommon Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias syriaca) — a powerful larval host plant for the endangered Monarch Butterfly:
UnCommon Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias Syriaca) for North America
Bring the monarch’s favorite milkweed to your garden with this UnCommon offering of Asclepias syriaca, wild-harvested from robust Michigan populations and hand-packed in packets of approximately 50 seeds.
Native to the eastern and central U.S., A. syriaca is one of the most important milkweeds for supporting Monarch caterpillars.
It produces broad leaves, fragrant summer blooms, and dense colonies that provide both nourishment and shelter throughout the butterfly’s migration. It thrives in USDA Zones 3 through 8, preferring full sun and plenty of space to spread — and spread it will.
Each micropacket of UnCommon Milkweed contains 50+ cold-hardy seeds, weighing in at 300+mg, for just $4. Sourced directly from plants grown in Michigan, this seed is strong, fresh, and field-tested.
For Florida butterfly gardeners, Asclepias syriaca may still have a place — especially when sown in the cooler months alongside other northern annuals like dill or lettuce. While it isn’t native to Florida’s climate and requires cold stratification to germinate, it can be treated as an adventive species — not quite established, but capable of surviving and returning under the right conditions. Johnny encourages experimental growers to test whether A. syriaca can begin to self-seed or adapt over time in Zone 9 microclimates. Of particular interest is the potential for natural hybrid vigor if it were ever to cross with Calotropis gigantea — the Giant Milkweed — which Johnny sees as a tropical analog to Common Milkweed, forming tree-like structures and thriving in hotter, drier zones. Such a pairing could one day yield a new, resilient monarch host for subtropical gardens.
Until then, northern growers can start planting with confidence — and purpose.
UnCommon Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias Syriaca) for North America
Bring the monarch’s favorite milkweed to your garden with this UnCommon offering of Asclepias syriaca, wild-harvested from robust Michigan populations and hand-packed in packets of approximately 50 seeds.
The Adventures of Johnny Butterflyseed – Author Signed First Edition Children’s Book
Save the monarchs!
Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers.