I've seen that reference at Las Pilitas, it's absurd! I think their motivation in posting it is probably genuine, well intentioned, but likely "grow native" mentality taken too far. I'm all for growing native, and avoiding aggressive non-natives -- but it gets ridiculous when you encounter gardeners who won't entertain talk of non-native plants or entertain a trade for the sole reason of nativity. I know that different species of milkweed have different levels and combinations of poisons found in milkweeds. Particularly the Monarch species with it's extreme migratory patterns, lay eggs on all species of Asclepias genus North America, and many other species from other genera of milkweeds -- including species not native to this part of the world. Successfully, I might add. Plus the presence of Monarchs in northern South America -- uh, completely different milkweed species. Naturally occurring and even imported dogbanes (like a Mandevilla) that confuse female egg laying Monarchs and other Danaus genus, or Danaidae family at large, to lay on their foliage that the caterpillar can't survive on are 1000% more threatening than a mature butterfly being eaten by a bird. I've seen studies of egg lays on controlled species, and although they do give insight, I highly doubt that these studies can be applied to the real world in any direct way. I grow a variety of Asclepias species, and a few other milkweeds, and I've observed plant species that are thought to be preferential, to be completely eaten to the bare stems one year, and completely ignored the next. I suspect that maturity of the plant has a lot more to do with attracting eggs than does the species. I've even noticed that where I put plants in the yard has a small influence on attracting eggs laid to a species. I did see a study once where they found a species of milkweed beetle was not capable of long term survival on a species milkweed from a different region of the country. The studies conclusion suggested it could be due to the difference in the poison levels or possibly the difference in the growth habits. In any case, the beetles don't migrate on the scale the Monarchs do, or even like the Queen or Soldier butterflies roam.

Randy, I'd love to have some, too. I have several species I've planted, so can send you some seeds in fall. I know for sure that my A. asperula is up (2 plants). This is also commonly called Antelope Horns. It is native to Oklahoma, as are the other species I'm growing. You'd probably have about as good a luck just tossing them out in the field. The seeds I grew didn't seem to like the potting soil very well. Once I got them in the ground, they took off like a house afire. I will have A. syriaca (common), A. viridiflora (green milkweed), A. incarnata (Swamp--heehee, we can really use that now!); A. verticillata (whorled milkweed), and A. purpurescens (purple milkweed). You're too kind! I hope we have increased the desire in other Oklahomans to grow milkweed and enjoy these beautiful butterflies. Seen anymore moths, lately? Are you raising the Walnut Sphinx? I keep checking my saplings (some are about 5' tall) in hopes of finding one. I also check the Elderberry to see if I ever get a Cecropia. Susan

I would check with Native American Seed or Wildseed Farms to see if they have them or if they can tell you where you can get the seeds. They both have websites: http://www.nativeamericanseed.com/ http://wildseedfarms.com/ If you can't find them on their websites, then send them an e-mail to find out if they can tell you where to get them.

Thanks for bringing up an important topic. I don't have a link handy with more info, but you may be able to Google the topic if you'd like to learn more. But, it's important to use milkweed from sources local to you. Even if it's the same species. So, even if we shipped our seed or plants, it may not be the best for your area.