What kind of Milkweed??

[chris123]

Hi Everyone.

I am having trouble identifying this milkweed. It is growing in the wild in a powerline cut in Western Massachusetts.






The flowers are all white and it blooms in June.

It kind of looks like pictures of "Ice Ballet" Swamp Milkweed, but it doesn't seem to have as many flowers.

Can anyone help? I can try and get better pictures (these were taken a few years ago). I want to transplant some to my garden because the butterflies love it, but I want to make sure it isn't endangered first.

Thanks for your help - i can try to get more pictures if that would be helpful,

Chris

[Mona Miller]

That does not look like milkweed, it looks like a cousin called Dogbane. You cannot use it to feed Monarchs. It is way too toxic and they will refuse to eat it.

[chris123]

well that explains why I couldn't figure out what kind of milkweed is was. Thank you for your reply. I guess I will just leave it be. Thanks again!

Chris

[Mona Miller]

Your butterfly is a Hickory Hairstreak.

http://www.rlephoto.com/butterflies/hai ... /index.htm
Photo

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1501
Information

[chris123]

Thanks for the id.

I notice the hairstreaks really like this plant. Maybe I'll transplant a few to my garden anyway.

[Mona Miller]

Don't forget that they are aggressive and hard to get rid of. Many butterflies like this plant both large and small. It is native.