Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
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Common Milkweed is a Virginia native wildflower that typically reaches 3–5 ft and blooms from early to mid summer 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, Mid Summer
- 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 spreads by rhizomes. 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.