Asclepias syriaca- Common Milkweed

Common Milkweed’s large, round, slightly drooping clusters of intricate, star-shaped flowers call to butterflies far and wide, who are rewarded with rich and abundant nectar. These alluring pink blooms grow from the upper leaf axils of this native’s thick, upright stems. Its wide, ovate leaves have a prominent, pinkish central vein and exude a thick white latex when broken. This milky substance makes it impervious to rabbit and deer grazing. After pollination, large, textured seed pods form and then split open, revealing a shock of silky-tailed seeds. Well-known as the exclusive host plant for endangered Monarch caterpillars, milkweed species are also visited en masse by other pollinators, including Swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. Common Milkweed has a bold, architectural presence in the garden. Thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Adaptable to a variety of soil types. Spreads easily via rhizome and seed. Remove seed heads and pull up young sprouts if limited spread is desired. Sun: Full, Partial Soil: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry Bloom Time: June, July, August Color: Pink Height: 4 ft