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Common Milkweed

Asclepias Syriaca

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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

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Family
Asclepiadaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (121)

Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Spreads vigorously by rhizomes, milkweed is ideal for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas; is a robust, image 99
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — is a robust perennial native to the eastern United States and well-adapted to a myriad of landscapes; and it, image 101
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — scientifically known as Asclepias syriaca; including the iconic monarch butterfly.<br><br>After flowering, image 100
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust perennial, thrives up to 6 ft tall in full sun; this US native, image 94
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — spherical clusters of pink-purple flowers; when these pods mature and split open in the fall, image 96
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — This plant typically grows to heights ranging from 2 to 6 feet and spreads approximately 2 to 3 feet wide, image 102
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — Each cluster measures about 2 to 4 inches across; as a low-maintenance addition, image 106
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — extensive root systems that make it drought-resistant and hardy.<br><br>Recognizable by its thick; it's, image 103
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — the milkweed boasts a unique grayish-green foliage; from June to August, the plant exhibits fragrant, image 104
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — From June to August, the plant exhibits fragrant, spherical clusters of pale pink to mauve flowers; they, image 105
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — the plant produces distinctive spindle-shaped seed pods, image 109
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — ready for wind dispersal.<br><br>As a landscape architect assistant; each cluster measures about 2 to 4, image 113
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — they reveal seeds attached to silky strands; spreads vigorously by rhizomes, milkweed is ideal for wildflower, image 112
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — When these pods mature and split open in the fall; succulent with multi-colored and pink and white blooms, image 111
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — providing visual interest and a sweet scent that attracts a variety of pollinators; oblong leaves and fragrant, image 107
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — including the iconic monarch butterfly.<br><br>After flowering; this plant typically grows to heights ranging, image 108
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — which reach 4 to 6 inches in length; it's a fitting choice for naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, or, image 110
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — making it a valuable plant for those looking to create a sustainable and vibrant landscape; scientifically, image 121
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — these components are critical to the survival of monarch larvae; which reach 4 to 6 inches in length, image 118
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — As a low-maintenance addition; while the sap contains toxins and can be irritating to the skin, image 119
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — it requires little care beyond initial establishment; succulent for full, image 120
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — It's a fitting choice for naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, or butterfly gardens; spherical clusters of, image 116
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — it is important to note that Common Milkweed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; ready for wind, image 114
Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) — and it can tolerate poor soil conditions; it requires little care beyond initial establishment, image 115

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