A diverse butterfly garden offers many benefits, but creating one where the winged insects will return takes diligent work.

The sap inside milkweed is toxic to pets and other animals, so for years and years home gardeners and farmers alike have worked to eradicate the plant from their flower beds and farmland.

However, not all milkweed plants are alike in characteristics, color, and optimum growing conditions. Some species are more suited than others to act as host plants for specific insects.