Skip to content

Common Milkweed

Asclepias Syriaca

Design with this plant

Overview

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust perennial, thrives up to 6 ft tall in full sun. Recognizable by its large, oblong leaves and fragrant, spherical clusters of pink-purple flowers, it blooms June-August. This US native prefers well-drained soil but tolerates clay. It's crucial for Monarch butterflies, serving as a host for larvae. Spreads vigorously by rhizomes, milkweed is ideal for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. Zones 3-9.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 3–9Climate Temperate
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust perennial, thrives up to 6 ft tall in full sun
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — is a robust perennial native to the eastern United States and well-adapted to a myriad of landscapesCommon Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — This plant typically grows to heights ranging from 2 to 6 feet and spreads approximately 2 to 3 feet wideCommon Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — extensive root systems that make it drought-resistant and hardy.<br><br>Recognizable by its thickCommon Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — oblong leaves and fragrantCommon Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — spherical clusters of pink-purple flowersCommon Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — This US native prefers well-drained soil but tolerates clay+114

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Family
Asclepiadaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (121)

Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — scientifically known as Asclepias syriaca
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — is a robust perennial native to the eastern United States and well-adapted to a myriad of landscapes
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — This plant typically grows to heights ranging from 2 to 6 feet and spreads approximately 2 to 3 feet wide
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — extensive root systems that make it drought-resistant and hardy.<br><br>Recognizable by its thick
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — oblong leaves and fragrant
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — spherical clusters of pink-purple flowers
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — This US native prefers well-drained soil but tolerates clay
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — It's crucial for Monarch butterflies, serving as a host for larvae
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Spreads vigorously by rhizomes, milkweed is ideal for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust perennial, thrives up to 6 ft tall in full sun
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — providing visual interest and a sweet scent that attracts a variety of pollinators
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — including the iconic monarch butterfly.<br><br>After flowering
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — the plant produces distinctive spindle-shaped seed pods
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — which reach 4 to 6 inches in length
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — the milkweed boasts a unique grayish-green foliage
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Each cluster measures about 2 to 4 inches across
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — From June to August, the plant exhibits fragrant, spherical clusters of pale pink to mauve flowers
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — it is important to note that Common Milkweed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — When these pods mature and split open in the fall
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — they reveal seeds attached to silky strands
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — ready for wind dispersal.<br><br>As a landscape architect assistant
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — and it can tolerate poor soil conditions
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — It's a fitting choice for naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, or butterfly gardens
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — while the sap contains toxins and can be irritating to the skin

Related plants

California Monarch Milkweed (Asclepias Eriocarpa) — The California Monarch Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) flourishes in USDA zones 7-10

California Monarch Milkweed

Asclepias Eriocarpa

Full · Zones 8–11

California Desert Milkweed (Asclepias Erosa) — The California Desert Milkweed (Asclepias erosa)

California Desert Milkweed

Asclepias Erosa

Full · Zones 8–11

Eastern Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata Pulchra) — Eastern Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias inc

Eastern Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias Incarnata Pulchra

Full · Zones 3–9

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias Speciosa) — Plant in well-draining soil; cautionary note: sap may irritate skin

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias Speciosa

Full · Zones 4–10

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa) — Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a vibrant perennial native to the US

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias Tuberosa

Full · Zones 3–9

Spider Milkweed (Asclepias Viridis) — Asclepias viridis, commonly known as Spider Milkweed, is a native perennial reaching heights of 1-2 feet

Spider Milkweed

Asclepias Viridis

Full · Zones 3–9