Common Milkweed
Asclepias Syriaca
Overview
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a robust perennial, thrives up to 6 ft tall in full sun. Recognizable by its large, oblong leaves and fragrant, spherical clusters of pink-purple flowers, it blooms June-August. This US native prefers well-drained soil but tolerates clay. It's crucial for Monarch butterflies, serving as a host for larvae. Spreads vigorously by rhizomes, milkweed is ideal for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. Zones 3-9.
Sun FullWater MediumZones 3–9Type SucculentClimate Temperate
Culture
- Sun
- Full
- Water
- Medium
- USDA zones
- 3–9
Shape & size
- Mature height
- 2–3 Ft.
Classification
- Type
- Succulent
- Family
- Asclepiadaceae
- Climate
- Temperate
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (141)
























Photographs by 16 contributors
- USFWS Mountain Prairie, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Bettina Arrigoni, CC BY 2.0 · source
- peterwchen, CC BY 4.0 · source
- NY State IPM Program at Cornell…, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Ruslan Kastani, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Jrosenberry1, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- USFWS Midwest Region from United States, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Doug McGrady from Warwick, RI, USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Rbreidbrown, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C.,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Homer Edward Price, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Related plants

Perennial
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias Tuberosa
FullUSDA 3–9

Perennial
California Desert Milkweed
Asclepias Erosa
FullUSDA 8–11

Perennial
California Milkweed
Asclepias Californica
FullUSDA 8–11

Perennial
California Monarch Milkweed
Asclepias Eriocarpa
FullUSDA 8–11

Succulent
Desert Milkweed
Asclepias Subulata
FullUSDA 8–11

Perennial
Eastern Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias Incarnata Pulchra
FullUSDA 3–9