Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden

Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden

From Backyard Ecology™ by Shannon Trimboli

June 26, 2025 · 20 min · Episode 105

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of choosing native milkweed species for gardens in the eastern U.S. and provides an overview of 10 suitable species.

Summary Milkweeds are a common component of butterfly and pollinator gardens. Not only are they important for monarch caterpillars, but they are also used by a wide variety of pollinators. There are lots of different species of milkweed that are native to the eastern U.S. and have the potential to work really well in home gardens. In this episode we discuss 10 species that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and responsible ways to obtain those species. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Why it is important to choose milkweed species that are native to where you live. Responsible ways to obtain milkweed seeds or plants. A short overview of 10 species of milkweeds that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and the pros and cons of using each species in your home garden. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Discover Your Next Steps Doug Tallamy on the Cultivar vs Wild Type Debate! Join the Backyard Ecology™ Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

People in this episode

Host: Shannon Trimboli

Topics covered

  • native plants
  • milkweed species
  • pollinator gardens
  • monarch caterpillars
  • home gardening

Keywords

  • milkweed
  • native plants
  • pollinators
  • butterfly gardens
  • eastern U.S.

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Backyard Ecology

Products: milkweed

Places: Eastern U.S.

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