Milkweed

Kym Pokorny blogs for the Oregonian that Milkweed is a perfect plant to have in your yard! Yet this plant is hard to find in the Metro area. Recently I stumbled onto a small patch of Milkweed at Jackson Bottom Wetlands and was pleasantly surprised! (6/10/2013)

There are four types of native Milkweeds found in Oregon, the Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) being the most widespread. The Milkweed flowers are unique in appearance and attract many insects, including the Monarch butterfly. In fact, the flower is a critical food and an important host to breeding Monarchs. There are several organizations in Oregon that are trying to encourage people to plant Milkweeds to help the recovery of Monarch populations.

Oddly, the plants are toxic to livestock and some wildlife. Breaking the stems causes the plant to ooze a thick white liquid, hence the common name.

The Showy Milkweeds below are living at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands, just behind the Visitor Center. Read the Oregonian blog: http://blog.oregonlive.com/kympokorny/2010/07/milkweed_is_a_perfect_plant_at.html

An Oregon Swallowtail drinks the nectar!

Note the large, thick leaves.