Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Apocynaceae

• Keystone Plant
• Spokane Native
• Sun - Part Sun
• Size: 3' tall x 3' wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: pink/rose (June - August)
• Provides food for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.  Milkweed plants are critical to Monarch survival.
  

Robust perennial with thick, fleshy erect stems arising from spreading rhizomes. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to conditions on both sides of the Cascades. Tolerates variety of soil types and can handle seasonal flooding if fast-draining. Drought tolerant once established.

Large, showy, globe-like rose-pink to purple flower clusters with wonderfully complex, fragrant blooms that look like small crowns or fireworks. Five corolla lobes reflex back, with five hood-like appendages folded inward, each containing a small horn with sharp tip. Blooms from late spring to mid-summer. Beautiful blue-green lance-shaped leaves up to 6 inches long with a thin layer of soft white fuzz. Gives way to prominent 2-3 inch upright seed pods with silvery-white, silky hairs. Leaves turn bright gold in fall.

Designated as a keystone native plant—most abundant milkweed in Great Plains and western U.S. The only food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Hosts Monarchs at every stage of development. Critical to Monarch survival as populations have declined over 80%. Excellent nectar source attracting clouds of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, honeybees, native bees, and beneficial insects. Host plant for Queen butterfly and Milkweed Tussock Moth. Also hosts red milkweed beetle.

This can be used in butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, prairie gardens, meadows, or naturalized areas. More manageable than Common Milkweed. Forms vigorous colonies through rhizomes, useful for stabilizing degraded or disturbed soils. Plant where spreading is desired. Foliage dies back completely in winter, emerging late in spring (April-May).

Note: Spreads vigorously by rhizomes—not suitable for small formal garden beds. All parts contain milky sap; poisonous to humans and can cause dermatitis. Toxic to livestock. The alkaloids boost butterflies' resistance to predators.