May 29, 2025

Fourleaf Milkweed (Asxlepias quadrifolia) in bloom along the trails up here right now. This species of Milkweed is used as a food source by not only Monarchs but also Swallowtails, Fritillaries and some of the other nectar-feeding butterflies.

There are 73 species of Milkweed native to the United States. Monarchs use about 30 of those species as host plants. As a host plant, the Monarch uses it for the survival of its larvae. That host plant is an essential food source for the Monarch’s developing caterpillar.

The common name of “fourleaf” is used because often (but not always) the leaves are whorls of four leaves, which gives an opportunity for another common name, Whorled Milkweed.

You’ll notice in the top image, that the blooms are leaning toward a very soft pink. They are often white, but I love to find the pinks!

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