Common milkweed is a host plant for monarch butterflies that also provides a host of benefits to many other pollinator species.
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, moths
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
3 to 9
Height
2 to 5 ft.
Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Dry Soil, Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Pink
Bloom Time
June, July, August
Design Considerations
If milkweed does its job, by the end of the season it will be devoid of leaves and covered in aphids—not necessarily the plant you want front and center. Will spread through rhizomes.
Care and Maintenance
Low maintenance
Pest and Diseases
Aphids are commonly found.
Establishment and Propagation
Plant as a plug or start from seed after cold, moist stratification for 30 days.
