Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed
This rosy butterfly weed is native to North America east of the Rocky Mountains. It grows wild along the roadsides and in open fields, is scrappy enough to compete with weeds and wild grasses, but it's anything but common. The fat clusters of soft pink blooms on 3' stems are impressive enough to inspire much fussing, but they don't need it.
Asclepias syriaca is hardy in all zones from 4-9, grows in crummy soil, full sun, will tolerate drought or whatever rainfall it gets. Plant it in out of the way where it won't tangle with your cutting garden. It's great in a meadow or a median strip. This sweetheart is tough.
Milkweeds are the ONLY host plants for Monarch caterpillars. They can't survive without Asclepias as a food source. Butterflies and hummingbirds sip the nectar while the caterpillars feed on the foliage.
Germination can be slow, but these seeds were just harvested and should pop up quickly.
********** 30 DAYS COLD STRATIFICATION REQUIRED *************
Soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water.
Surface sow seeds in a pot or a plastic baggie that will fit in the refrigerator.
Mist the soil and sprinkle a small amount of starting soil over seeds.
Cover with plastic wrap or place in baggie in the refrigerator for 60 days.
During this cold stratification process keep soil moist, but not soaking wet.
At the end of the 30 Days, place pot in a warm, sunny location. When soil is warm enough seeds will germinate.
Remove plastic wrap or baggie when you have seedlings.