Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

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Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Forbs & Flowers

Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Shade

Wet

Dry

Land Use

Obligate Wetland Plant almost always occurs in wetlands.

Facultative Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Facultative Plant occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Obligate Upland Plant almost always occurs in non-wetlands.

The bright pink flowers of Common Milkweed open in the mid-summer and have a strong, sweet fragrance. The leaves of this species are an important food source for the caterpillars of the Monarch Butterfly. Milkweed flowers are attractive to many species of butterflies and other insects. This species spreads very aggressively by underground runners, as well as seed.

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Details

Plant Type

Forbs & Flowers

Conditions

Sun

Dry

Native to Kentucky?

Native to Kentucky

Land Use

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in non-wetlands but may occur in wetlands.

Project Uses

Bioswale / Rain Garden / Green Dry Basin

Upland Restoration

Urban / Tree Box

Tendency to Spread

High

Height (ft)

2-4

Flower Color

Purple

Fall Showy?

Flowering Time

June-Aug