I've read that milkweed is very toxic to cats and dogs. I have 1 dog and 2 cats. How can I prevent their deaths yet provide for my favorite flying friends? Or are there certain parts of milkweed that are poisonous and other parts not.
It's the white sap inside the plant that is most toxic, followed by leaves and stems, particularly to livestock who might graze on plants growing in fields when choice forage is absent. It is toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Some varieties are more poisonous than others. Typically those with whorled, narrow leaves are most toxic. The sap can also be irritating to eyes and skin.
If your animals like to nibble on plants, you may want to make the milkweed inaccessible as much as possible. Research the ones native to your area and choose those that are less toxic. I've grown several varieties of milkweed for years and have never had a problem with my pets sampling it. You would be surprised at how many common garden plants have some degree of toxicity. You can check them out at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/
Here are several articles that discuss milkweed toxicity:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/milkweed-ornamental-plants-toxic-to-animals/
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/milkweed
I live in SE Louisiana. Have container grown milkweed near a flow well that runs continuously. Plants get full sun. Aphid invasion has been bad this year.
You can't treat it with an insecticide because it would kill the caterpillars. You can try a spray of water, but I find the aphids just hang on. I have taken a paper towel and smashed them. Usually the beneficial bugs come along and eat the aphids.
You can try planting plants nearby that repel aphids such as garlic or chives. This article tells more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/plants-that-repel-aphids.htm
Here in Zone 6 we still have some snow on the ground and temps fluctuating between upper 20's and low 50's. I was given milkweed seeds recently. How should I prepare the seeds for planting this spring. Our last frost date her in northern NJ is May15th. Thank you.
Milkweed seeds can be started indoors or you can wait till after the last frost to plant them outside. Here is how:
My giant milkweed was beautiful and large green leaves last year. I cut it back for spring cutdown and it’s now growing yellow misshaped leaves. The leaves are very veiny as well. Any idea what could be causing this? Thank you for any help or suggestions you may have.
Cut those out and see if they grow back the same. If they do, the plant may have a virus and need to be removed.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/aster-yellows-disease.htm