Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Named for its abundant clusters of starlike flowers, showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is an eye-catching native plant selection for the butterfly garden. In the summer months, showy milkweed is covered in fragrant blooms in delicate shades of pink, white, and purple. The large leaves are an attractive grayish-green color. After blooming, the plant produces large pods that contain seeds with long silky tassels, so they can be dispersed by the wind. Individual plants spread by underground rhizomes into an expanding clump. Showy milkweed has thick, sturdy stems and an upright growth habit. It can reach up to 6 ft in height. The plant goes dormant during the winter months. Showy milkweed is an important butterfly host plant, especially for the Monarch butterfly. Adult butterflies feed on the flower nectar and caterpillars eat the leaves. The blooms also attract hummingbirds. Like other milkweeds, this plant produces alkaloids that, when consumed, protect the caterpillars from predators. Showy milkweed is easy to care for. It grows well in full sun and should be planted in dry, well-drained soil. Remove seed pods to prevent self-sowing. Large clumps can be pruned during the winter dormancy season. From Calscape.

Grower: Nature's Seed

Other Names Used: 

Family: Aponcynaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Summer

Bloom Color(s): Purple, Pink, White

Plant Height: 4-6 feet tall

Plant Width: 4 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast

Ecological Benefits:

• Deer Resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Mixed Evergreen Forest  
• Riparian

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None