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Asclepias syriaca

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Asclepias syriaca

Common Name: Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca, or Common Milkweed, is a perennial plant that typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall. It features broad, oval-shaped leaves and produces large, spherical clusters of fragrant pink to purplish flowers from June to August. Common Milkweed is commonly found in fields, along shores, and edges of woods, thriving in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It serves as a crucial host plant for monarch butterflies, providing food for caterpillars. However, it can be aggressive in growth, spreading through rhizomes and seeds, and may crowd out other plants if not managed properly. In landscaping, it is appreciated for its ecological benefits and fragrant blooms but should be planted with consideration to its spreading nature.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	42
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	15
Bloom month(s)	June, July, August
Bloom Color or Type	Pink
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.

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