Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

PLANT INFORMATION

Plant Size: CP32

Name: Common milkweed – Asclepias syriaca

Type: Perennial Flower

Growth Characteristics  Common milkweed can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and a foot wide.  In summer, five-petaled flowers bloom with up to 100 flowers per cluster and one to three clusters per stem. Fragrant flowers in colors of green, pink, white, and purple or lavender will last from June through August.  Produces large pods of wispy seeds that blow in the wind; as such milkweed can take over areas.  Plant 1-3 feet apart. Milkweed is low maintenance.

Hardiness: Climate zones 3-9

Light Requirements: Full sun

Water Needs:  Low to moderate water needs; tolerates dry conditions.

Soil Preference:  Grows in average, well-drained soils in full sun but can grow in poor or dry soils.

DISEASE, PEST, AND DEER RESISTANCE

This plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. No serious problems but can be weedy.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

Provides color and contrast for the herb garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow or naturalized area. Can be used as a border.  Tolerant of black walnut and dry conditions along road ways.

Value to Wildlife and Insects

Common milkweed not only provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators but is a larval host plant for Monarch butterflies.

ADDITIONAL FACTS UNIQUE TO THE SPECIES (IF ANY)

Has a milky sap in leaves, stems and seed pods.