Poke Milkweed

Asclepias exaltata

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 …

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Plants 3" Pots Sold Out
1+ $9.99 ea.
Availability: Sold out
SKU
31220-03
Cultural Details
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture Medium
Sun Exposure Partial, Shade
Height 3' - 5'
Bloom Color White
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., Poke Milkweed 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.

Host plant for the Monarch butterfly.