Prevent milkweed spread

Hello,

I was recently given a milkweed seedling. The only thing I knew about them at the time was that they are good for butterflies. Now that I’ve started looking into it, I’ve learned that they can spread by rhizome quite aggressively. I’d like to plant it in my (urban) yard. Are there any preventative measures I can take to keep it contained?

Unfortunately, I have no idea what variety it is. I’ve attached a photo. I’ve already waited longer than I should to transplant it.

Miranda, welcome to the forum.

I have never had a problem with milkweed being aggressive.

That might depend on the variety.

Since you don't know the variety maybe planting in a pot would be good.

I have planted tropical and swamp milkweed and have a wild variety growing in my woods.

Thanks for the reply and the welcome, Anne. I’ve been lurking for a while. This is a wonderfully informative forum!

It might just be Common Milkweed that has that issue. Just wish I’d known to ask what variety it was!

those skinny leaves mean definitely not common milkweed (A. syriaca). narrowleaf milkweed (A. fascicularis) is a possibility. even common milkweed is easy enough to mow (or harvest shoots) to control spread.

I agree with Greg, it is not common milkweed.

Most milkweeds are not that aggressive. Here are some varieties it might be with those narrow leaves, from Illinois Wildflowers:

tall green milkweed

Butterfly milkweed

Whorled milkweed

Swamp milkweed

Thanks, everyone! I’ll get this gal in the ground, then!