Asclepias syriaca (Native)

Common Name
Common milkweed
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
0.7 - 1.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes
Rabbit resistant
Yes

Photographer: pistofam
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: guderiantree
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Fields, pastures, roadsides, and other open, disturbed habitats. Common throughout.

Wildlife value: Common milkweed not only provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators but is a larval host plant for Monarch butterflies and the milkweed tussock moth. Also fed upon by the milkweed weevil and milkweed longhorn beetle. 

Note: Interesting seed pods; fragrant flower. It propagates easily by seed or root cuttings and will naturalize in the garden and may be aggressive in a garden setting.

Poisonous to Humans

Poison Severity: Low
Poison Symptoms: Can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and confusion if eaten in quantity. Milky sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation.

Causes Contact Dermatitis: Yes

Flower Color
Cream/White
Pink
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Late Summer
Bloom Month
June
July
August
Light Requirements
Full sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Shallow rocky
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Monarchs
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
12
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

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