Common Milkweed

Botanical Name: Asclepias syriaca
Plant Family: Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)

Description: Commonly found along roadsides and railroads, open woods, and other challenging sites.  Can be weedy as it spreads by rhizomes and readily self-seeds in the wild.  It typically grows from 3 - 5 ft, occasionally to 6 ft.   Where space allows, it should be tolerated for it's benefit to monarchs and other beneficial pollinators.

Growing Conditions: Undemanding, grows in rocky, sandy, and dry soil.  Prefers full sun. 

Bloom Time: Jun - Aug
Bloom Color: Light pink to mauve

Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Most milkweed species are hosts for the monarch butterfly. 

Native Status: US native, PA native

Location in habitat: Pollinator Demonstration Garden, Monarch Waystation