Our 2023 EFN seed catalogue is now online! 100+ new varieties. Over 40 different growers and foragers from across the country. A million thanks to all who make this possible, especially our amazing seed-house crew!

Common Milkweed

Common Milkweed

Regular price $3.50 Sale

Asclepias syriaca

Origin: United States and Canada

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~150

BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED

Lifecycle: Perennial

Beautiful and delicious native perennial, of critical importance to monarch butterflies — the only plant monarch caterpillars will eat. The young leaves, flowers and flower buds are all edible for people too (after cooking). Nate loves the flowers cooked with scrambled eggs. Flowers are also pollinator magnets. Spreads by rhizomes.

Our seed was scrounged for by our friend Lorna Koestner from the wild population of milkweed at her homestead just outside of Duluth, MN.

GROWING TIPS: Cold-moist stratify seed 30 days, or direct-seed outside in fall.