Description

Johnny says, “Plant more Milkweed!” because…

• Monarch Butterflies require Milkweed plants to lay eggs
• Monarch Caterpillars requires Milkweed leaves to eat
• The milky latex in Milkweed is toxic and protects the Monarch Caterpillars from being eaten
  

Your seed packet will contain 20 or more “Sandhill Milkweed” or “Pinewoods Milkweed” (Asclepias tuberosa) seeds, packaged in a kraft paper envelope. These are seeds ethically hand-gathered from Johnny’s conservation land on the Lake Wales Ridge of Polk County Florida, and always following Center for Plant Conservation Best Practices. These are truly Florida Native Seeds, but should do well anywhere Gopher Tortoises roam.

Sandhill Milkweed produce unique, white or lavender flowers that provide nectar for many pollinators, along with Monarch Butterflies. Pinewoods Milkweed is also a larval host plant for Monarch caterpillars, who require the toxic latex for protection. It is also sometimes referred to as Purple Milkweed.

Native Range

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Louisiana
5. Mississippi
6. North Carolina
7. South Carolina

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Plant seeds under a thin layer (1/4″) of sandy soil and water daily until seedlings are well-established. Germination time is 1-3 weeks.

Asclepias humistrata will generally grow well across the southeastern United States and around the Gulf of Mexico in sandy, well-drained, and sunny locations. May not survive long-term amidst sod grass. Check your local herbarium to ensure Asclepias humistrata is native or naturalized in your state and county.