1. Showy Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa (ass-KLE-pee-us spee-see-OH-suh)
Family: Asclepidaceae (Milkweed family)
Native to: Much of western N. America & throughout CA; open areas on banks and flood plains of
lakes, ponds, or waterways or moist areas in prairies on sandy, loamy, or rocky soils.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Pretty herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in fall/winter. Leaves large, blue green
with velvety silver hairs. Spreads via rhizomes. Note: foliage of all Milkweeds is toxic. This species
is less toxic than others, and native peoples even ate young boiled seedpods in moderation.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (May-July or Aug.). As name suggests, flowers are very showy
– looks more like a garden plant than a wildflower. Large (4-5 in.) dense heads of small pink/white
flowers with characteristic Milkweed shape. Very fragrant – nice addition to a scented garden!
Uses in the garden: Pretty enough for any mixed flower bed; hardy enough for natural areas once
established. Excellent choice for areas that get a little extra winter water like rain gardens, bio-
swales, etc. A must for butterfly gardens. Can make paper, fiber from dried stems.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Milkweeds.
Attracts: Excellent habitat for Monarch Butterfly larva and other insects. Birds use fibers for nests.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (best) to part-shade.
Soil Any local soil – very adaptable to all but the heaviest clays.
Water Water well first summer; after that zone 1-2 to 2-3 (very occasional to occasional)
water. Good for planting next to Zone 3 (regular water).
Fertilizer None needed; light fertilizer won’t kill it.
Other
Management: Quite hardy and easy once established. Plant seedlings/plants when small and don’t
move established plants (they have a deep taproot). Will spread via rhizomes & seeds.
Propagation: from seed: easy; no treatment by divisions: carefully, when dormant
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 8, 11, 19, 24 1/25/11
© Project SOUND