Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Wildflower Coming Soon
Common Milkweed is a Virginia native local-ecotype wildflower that typically reaches 3–5 ft and blooms in early summer and fall with pink/purple and white flowers. It offers exceptional pollinator value, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun
- Soil Moisture
- Medium
- Height
- 3–5 ft
- Spread
- 2–3 ft; spreads by rhizomes
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer, Fall
- Bloom Color
- Pink/purple and white
- Garden Goals
- Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Butterfly garden; meadow; pollinator garden; larger naturalized areas
- Wildlife Value
- Monarch butterfly; milkweed tussock moth; other milkweed insects
Common Milkweed grows best in full sun with medium soil. At maturity, it is typically 3–5 ft tall and 2–3 ft; spreads by rhizomes wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Monarch butterfly; milkweed tussock moth; other milkweed insects. It is well suited to Butterfly garden, meadow, pollinator garden, larger naturalized areas.
Good to know: Can spread strongly; outstanding nectar and host value.