Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy milkweed is a native herbaceous perennial with widespread rhizomes, reaching 1½ to 5 ft tall in summer. Prefers moist soils, but is drought tolerant. Needs an open, sunny location.

Plants bloom from May to September, and the nectar of attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Milkweed plants are the only larval host for monarch butterflies.

Sold by the bundle (10 rhizomes per bundle).

Photo courtesy of Dean White, Lincoln County Conservation District.

Although showy milkweed is one of the least toxic of the milkweeds, it is toxic to livestock and should not be used in feeds. Animals will avoid them when other forage is available.