Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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