Showy Milkweed

 - Asclepias speciosa

Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on plants in the Asclepias genus, otherwise known as "milkweeds." You're sure to see Monarch's when you include a few milkweed plants in the garden.

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. Native to the western U.S. and upper Midwest, Showy Milkweed tolerates a variety of soil types and conditions and is very drought tolerant.