Milkweed is also known as Butterfly Weed. Like Butterfly Bushes, milkweed comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. All have flowers that are very good butterfly attractors and the leaves are the primary foodplants for both the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and the Queen (Danaus gilippus). Most people are anti-weeds in their gardens but this "weed" is a must-have for any butterfly garden. Not only do their root systems send up new shoots as they expand but they re-seed themselves nicely also. Click on the picture to the left for more varieties of Milkweed.