Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
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Pl. 9C16 — Asclepias speciosa
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IOverview
Overview
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a perennial herb found in the wild across North America from Alberta to California and southward into Texas. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist to dry conditions and well-drained soil. This milkweed species can grow up to 0.8 meters tall and is recognized by its distinctive large, showy clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to August. Its light green leaves are lance-shaped and the plant produces pods containing fluffy seeds, making it a valuable addition to native gardens and prairie restorations.
Quick answers
What is Showy Milkweed?
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a perennial herb found in the wild across North America from Alberta to California and southward into Texas. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist to dry conditions and well-drained soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Showy Milkweed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable for various garden settings. It grows best in light (sandy) or medium soils with a pH between 5 and 7. Hardy in zones 3-9, this perennial can be propagated through division or seed sowing. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, and shoots throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Showy Milkweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Showy Milkweed as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Showy Milkweed seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy) to medium. Ensure full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, covering them lightly. For transplants, buy young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly until established. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to provide enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:DyeFiberGumtextilesoilPollution
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 26 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Washington, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Arizona, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta, Kansas, British Columbia
introduced:Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9c168189-c9ae-40cf-8325-8ff32ca1473c
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