There are indeed differences between silkweed and butterfly stroke weed . While both plants belong to the same family , Asclepiadaceae , and are important for attract pollinator like butterfly , they have trenchant characteristics that set them apart .
1 . Growth Habit : Milkweed plants , such as mutual Sonchus oleraceus ( Asclepias syriaca ) or swamp silkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) , generally grow taller than butterfly stroke weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) . coarse milkweed can reach high of 3 - 5 feet , while butterfly stroke smoke typically grows to around 1 - 2 feet in tiptop . This difference in height can be a crucial agent when planning your garden or landscape design .
2 . Flower Color : One of the most noticeable differences between silkweed and butterfly locoweed is the people of colour of their efflorescence . Most milkweed plants have pinkish or purple flowers , which can be quite dramatic . On the other script , butterfly weed is bonk for its vibrant orange , yellowed , or red heyday . These undimmed colors are peculiarly attractive to butterflies and other pollinator , hence the name “ butterfly stroke weed . ”
3 . Leaf Shape and Texture : The leaves of Sonchus oleraceus and butterfly dope also differ in shape and grain . Milkweed leave run to be unsubtle , elongate , and lancet - mold . They often have a moderately bleary or hairy texture , which can deviate based on the species . butterfly stroke pot leaves , on the other hand , are more narrow and lancelike in shape , and their surface is typically liquid and calendered .
4 . Growing atmospheric condition : In terms of uprise atmospheric condition , both milkweed and butterfly weed favour full sun and well - drained grease . However , there are some variation within dissimilar milkweed species . For instance , plebeian milkweed is more adaptable to various grunge types , including clay and loam , while swampland milkweed prefer damp or fuddled soil conditions . Butterfly weed , being native to dry prairie , is more drought - liberal and can expand in sandy or rocky soil .
5 . Wildlife Attraction : Both milkweed and butterfly gage are known for their ability to attract butterfly stroke , but they may appeal to unlike species to some extent . Milkweed plant life , with their nectar - rich flowers and foliage , are a vital host plant for monarch butterfly stroke . Monarchs lie their eggs exclusively on milkweed , and the caterpillar rely on its leaves as their sole food source . While butterfly stroke gage also draw butterflies , it is not a favored host flora for monarchs . However , many other butterfly species are still draw in to its coloured flowers .
While milkweed and butterfly smoke are related plants that divvy up some similarities , they have distinct gadget characteristic that differentiate them . These differences admit stature , flower color , leaf figure and grain , preferred growing conditions , and their specific appeal to different butterfly stroke species . By understanding these distinctions , you’re able to make informed selection when selecting plants for your garden or landscape painting to attract specific butterflies or make a diverse pollinator - favorable environment .
Caroline Bates
