Showy Milkweed

 - Asclepias speciosa

Showy Milkweed is similar in form to Common Milkweed, but less aggressive, making it more manageable in a garden setting. About 3’ high, Asclepias speciosa features large velvety blue-green leaves, and pink spikey flower clusters, atop thick stems. The very fragrant blooms give way to prominent 2 –3 inch long seed pods and the leaves turn bright gold in the fall. As with all Asclepias species, the leaves are food for the larval stages of Monarch and Queen butterflies. Native to the western U.S. and upper Midwest, Showy Milkweed tolerates a variety of soil types and conditions and is very drought tolerant.