There are ten species of New York milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and one species, red milkweed (Asclepias rubra) that used to be present in New York and is considered “historic” to the state. Milkweeds are an important host species for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies. The Monarch butterfly in particular uses the cardenolides found in the milky sap of milkweeds to give an unpleasant taste to predators. These plants are also an important nectar source to all insects visiting your pollinator garden.