Showy Milkweed

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Showy Milkweed is a native, cool season herbaceous perennial from widespread rhizomes. Showy milkweed is adapted to a broad range of moisture conditions. It grows in well-drained soil in full or nearly full sun, in pastures, meadows, forest clearings, untilled fields, roadsides, and ditch banks, from sea level to 6,250 feet. It is also very commonly found along canal banks and riparian sites and in sub-irrigated or occasionally flooded wetlands with sedges and rushes. In most regions Showy Milkweed is considered a facultative species, meaning it is equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands. It is adapted to a range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil. The abundant nectar of milkweed flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, honey bees, native bees, and other beneficial insects. Animals avoid milkweed if other forage is available.