Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
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Pl. F09C — Asclepias syriaca
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IOverview
Overview
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial forb/herb native to the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada. Found in various habitats including prairies, fields, and roadsides, it ranges from Alabama to Manitoba and south to Texas. Known for its edible parts such as flowers, leaves, seeds, seedpods, and shoots, this plant is also valued for its drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in dry, moist, light (sandy), and medium soil conditions with a pH of 7.5–8. Its distinctive features include the milky latex sap and large, showy clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to August.
Quick answers
What is Common Milkweed?
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial forb/herb native to the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada. Found in various habitats including prairies, fields, and roadsides, it ranges from Alabama to Manitoba and south to Texas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Milkweed thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH of 7.5–8. It is hardy in zones 3-8 and can grow up to 1 meter tall as an herbaceous perennial. This plant requires dry to moist conditions and full sun, making it suitable for various temperate regions. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division. Edible parts include flowers, leaves, seedpods, and shoots, but ensure you have the correct identification before harvesting.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Milkweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Milkweed as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
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 spot with well-draining soil that's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and mulch to maintain consistent moisture. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune dead foliage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:AdhesiveFiberGumtextilesoilPollutionCandlesFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:North Dakota, Ontario, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f09c9f95-4c90-4466-94cf-baf71774d217
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