Poke Milkweed
Unique among milkweeds, Poke Milkweed grows in the shade. Aromatic in bloom, the spreading umbels with white to pink flowers weep downward on individual stems, reminiscent of fireworks. The elegant flowers give way to beautiful elongated seed pods …
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, Shade |
| Height | 3' - 5' |
| Bloom Color | White, Pink |
| Bloom Time | June, July |
| Spacing | 1' - 2' |
| Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Taproot |
| Benefits | Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
Unique among milkweeds, Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) grows in the shade. Aromatic in bloom, the spreading umbels with white to pink flowers weep downward on individual stems, reminiscent of fireworks. The elegant flowers give way to beautiful elongated seed pods.
Native to the woodlands of the Midwest and Eastern U.S., Asclepias exaltata is taller than its prairie and savanna cousins, reaching five feet or more, and the leaves can be quite large as well. Moderate moisture with good organic content in partial shade is optimal. Once established, the deep taproot will make it very difficult to transplant successfully, so it's best planted where it will be happy, and left undisturbed. Poke Milkweed is rare in parts of it's range and has been known to hybridize with Common Milkweed when the plants occur in close proximity.
