The monarch butterfly population in the eastern United States has declined sharply — an estimated 80% loss since the 1990s.

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is one of the tamer milkweeds with lots of ornamental appeal. This adaptable milkweed is hardy in zones 3-10 and was named the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year.

There are other types of milkweed available as well, including the multicolored tropical milkweed (Asclepias ... can fit in ...

Milkweed is the one and only host plant for monarch caterpillars and butterflies, which prefer local, native varieties. Avoid growing non-native tropical milkweed. When you’re done reading these ...