Asclepias speciosa (Showy milkweed)

Cultivation

Grows best in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates drought and poor, dry, gravelly soil. Suitable for use near a pond or stream. Foliage is slow to emerge in spring. Best if left undisturbed once established. Flowers are a nectar source for numerous butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, City, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife, Waterside, Bees (attract & feed bees)

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1, 2, 3

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Moderate/Medium
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

Native to

Western North America, Central North America

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

Yes

Toxicity

Sap is toxic if ingested.