Mulling over Milkweed

Milkweed pods, exploding on a sunny Fall day. Here are a few fun facts about milkweed plants from Wikipedia:

"The milkweed filaments from the follicles are hollow and coated with wax, and have good insulation qualities. During World War II, over 5,500 short tons of milkweed floss were collected in the United States as a substitute for kapok. As of 2007, milkweed is grown commercially as a hypoallergenic filling for pillows."

"Being the sole food source of monarch butterfly larvae, the plant is often used in butterfly gardens."  

"Milkweed also contains cardiac glycoside poisons. As a result, many natives of South America and Africa used arrows poisoned with these glycosides for fighting and hunting."

These facts made me wonder if growing milkweed could be a lucrative business, and yes it is, according to Farm Show magazine. 
As you mull over the exciting prospects of becoming a milkweed farmer, have a good week....