Showy milkweed is a native perennial herb that grows 2-5 feet tall and spreads via rhizomes. It blooms in summer with large pink or white flowers that are very showy and fragrant. It is well adapted to many soil types and growing conditions, making it a good choice for butterfly gardens, rain gardens, and other areas that receive occasional water. It provides excellent habitat for monarch butterfly larvae and other insects.

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
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2. Asclepias speciosa - Showy milkweed