I am still learning, obviously, from my observations this summer. I commented to my husband that the Milkweed flowers seem unusually pale this year. Turns out there are two different, frequently growing, varieties in the Midwest. Both are natives. This pale variety is called the Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) so it surprised me that I’ve never noticed this pale variety before. Equally as important to the Monarch butterfly proliferation as the Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) and equally beautiful. The Common MIlkweed, as the name implies, is the most prevalent native and critical to the survival of Monarchs. Copyright 2023 Pamela BreitbergNewly formed buds and pristine leaves of the Common Milkweed fortell a season of much nearby insect activity including hosting Monarch butterflies and their eggs. Read about both varieties here. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg
Thank you Mrs. Pam. I have never heard of Milkweed.
Look for it throughout any prairie like garden in Chicago. Around South Pond in Lincoln Park there is alot as well in Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.