Think of an ecosystem.

Did you think of a large area like a forest, a lake, a desert or a meadow?

Individual plants can also be home to many different animals. The plant can play an important role in the survival of a single species or many different animals.

Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a vital host plant for several unique animals. You may pass by small stands of milkweed growing wild, along country roads or vacant lots. Stop and carefully examine them. You will discover that these plants are home to an abundance of creatures.

Let's look more closely at milkweeds and some of their inhabitants. They thrive in a backyard habitat and along the roads winding through Central Pennsylvania.

I think you will recognize one of the most famous animals found on milkweed plants - the Monarch Butterfly.