Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Also listed as Asclepias giffordii, Asclepias douglasii
Also known as Pink Milkweed, Greek Milkweed
Climate Match for your location
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A native wildflower with showy pink to red flower clusters that attract monarchs and other pollinators. Drought-tolerant once established and important for native butterfly populations.
Why grow it
Asclepias speciosa outperforms many milkweed species in xeric settings once roots establish, making it useful where irrigation is limited. It produces larger, more densely clustered flowers than related natives like A. incarnata, which can improve pollinator visibility and visitation. The species serves as a critical larval host for monarchs across western ranges, distinguishing it from ornamental non-native milkweeds that offer no equivalent ecological function.
Watch out for
Plants may take two seasons to reach full flowering size and can appear sparse in year one. Established plants spread via both seed and underground rhizomes, so siting should account for potential expansion beyond the initial planting footprint. In areas with consistently high moisture, root rot can occur, particularly in winter; well-draining soil is important for long-term survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Named cultivars are uncommon; most gardeners grow the species. Plants selected from dry-climate populations tend to be more drought-tolerant.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native wildflower with showy pink to red flower clusters that attract monarchs and other pollinators. Drought-tolerant once established and important for native butterfly populations.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Showy Milkweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Asclepias speciosa outperforms many milkweed species in xeric settings once roots establish, making it useful where irrigation is limited. It produces larger, more densely clustered flowers than related natives like A. incarnata, which can improve pollinator visibility and visitation. The species serves as a critical larval host for monarchs across western ranges, distinguishing it from ornamental non-native milkweeds that offer no equivalent ecological function.
Watch out for
Plants may take two seasons to reach full flowering size and can appear sparse in year one. Established plants spread via both seed and underground rhizomes, so siting should account for potential expansion beyond the initial planting footprint. In areas with consistently high moisture, root rot can occur, particularly in winter; well-draining soil is important for long-term survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Named cultivars are uncommon; most gardeners grow the species. Plants selected from dry-climate populations tend to be more drought-tolerant.