Botanical Name: Asclepias speciosa
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Common Name: Showy Milkweed  
Plant photo of: Asclepias speciosa
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

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

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: GardenSoft

  • Description

  • Notes

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.