Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed)
Poke Milkweed
Shade tolerant, Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of white to pink flowers produced in summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks. Strikingly aromatic when in bloom, they are a great source of nectar for butterflies. They are followed by beautiful elongated seed pods. The leaves are opposite, long-stalked, broadly elliptical, with pointed tips. They can be up to 8 in. long (20 cm). During the fall, each seed pod splits open along one side to release its seeds. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings.
Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!
- Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
- Thrives in partial shade in dry to medium well-drained soils.
- Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Perfect for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to North America
Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success
By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Gerry Bishop, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |