Behold a Manhattan native plant that is a hub of insect activity! Members of the milkweed genus are critically important in the life cycle of the globally endangered monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweeds in summer, and the caterpillars exclusively consume the leaf and stem material of these plants before they metamorphosize into butterflies. This special plant has bright orange flowers, which attract many other pollinators and develop into beautiful, long seed pods in autumn, adding to its late-season charm.
Where to see this plant
Butterfly milkweed can be found on the High Line between 18th and 19th Streets, and 28th and 30th Streets. This plant generally blooms from June to August.
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