Asclepias speciosa is a striking North American native milkweed known for its large spherical clusters of rose pink star shaped flowers and velvety gray green foliage. This clump forming perennial thrives in poor to average soils and full sun and is a magnet for pollinators. It plays a vital role in supporting Monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout summer.
Height & Spread: 24 - 48 in x 12 - 24 in
Bloom Time: June to August
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry, well drained soils
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Moderate; foliage may be browsed occasionally but is unpalatable
Native Status
Asclepias speciosa is native to western and central North America, especially in prairie, meadow, and roadside habitats. It is well adapted to dry conditions and poor soils.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees and other native solitary bees seeking nectar and pollen.
Butterflies
- Serves as a key larval host for Monarch caterpillars and attracts adult butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Swallowtails.
Moths
- Feeds species such as Milkweed Tussock Moth and Dogbane Tiger Moth in both larval and adult forms.
Birds
- Goldfinches use milkweed down to line their nests, and seed heads provide late season interest.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps, lady beetles, and lacewings that feed on pest insects in surrounding garden areas.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow upright form and airflow in meadow or border plantings.
Landscape Placement:
- Effective in naturalized prairies, pollinator gardens, and sunny borders with other native perennials.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Native ornamental grass provides textural contrast and fall color alongside upright milkweed stems.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Light yellow daisy blooms contrast nicely with the pink spheres of milkweed and extend summer color.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Vivid golden coneflowers echo prairie tones and support a variety of native insects.
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' - Purple spikes complement milkweed while attracting butterflies and bees in mass plantings.
- Echinacea purpurea - Classic purple coneflowers pair well in pollinator plantings with long blooming impact.