Plant Type

Perennial, Succulent

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

White

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Wildlife

Broad, long, and widely spaced leaves ascend a tall and sturdy flower stalk topped by a huge, showy cluster of pink/white flowers. Showy Milkweeds was common along roadsides and in fields, but is becoming less so as habitat is destroyed. The tan, three inch long seed pod containing silky hairs around the seeds is a common toy for kids and was used in the past as pillow filling. Butterfly and hummingbird attractor. Larval food of the Monarch Butterfly.

Difficult to establish as it has a long tap root and resents being moved. If you are lucky enough to find plants, buy the smallest ones to lessen transplant shock. Though tough, they tend to grow in low spots and ditches, so plant where water will flow to them and collect (but don't overwater either!). However, going into winter with wet soil around the crown may cause them to rot. As mentioned, not an easy one to get going, but the butterflies will thank you. 2 to 3 feet tall, and eventually as wide.