BWSR’s monthly Featured Plant includes information on native species identification, range, preferred habitat, uses and planting recommendations. Focusing on plants that are important for conservation projects, BWSR’s senior ecologist and vegetation specialist curates the feature with occasional contributions from other experts. Find the current Plant of the Month here. Browse the archive here.
Milkweeds play a key role in wetlands, prairies, savannas and forests in Minnesota. The genus (Asclepias) is particularly important as a nectar and larval food source for a wide range of insect species. The best known example is the monarch butterfly whose larvae appear to feed only on milkweeds.
