Showy milkweed
(Asclepias speciosa)
Left: Asclepias speciosa in ASMSA Garden in early fall of 2024.
Above: Reference photo of Asclepias speciosa in bloom.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Showy milkweed grows best in open spaces with a lot of sun. It can grow in any soil type including course, fine, and medium soils. Water preferences for growth include a healthy amount of water, enough to make the soil moist.
Growth Habit/Description:
Stout perennial plant with few branches, Usually around 1 1/2-3 ft. tall. Under perfect conditions the plant can reach up to 6 ft. tall. Large, simple, oval leaves that are green (sometimes with a blueish tint). During the right season clusters of star shaped flowers bloom at the top of the stem. Plant is typically covered in a thin layer of small white hair and the leaves feel velvety.
Bloom Season:
Showy milkweed begins blooming in the summer around May where clusters of pink, purple, and green star shaped flowers grow, and can continue blooming until September.
Fall and/or Winter Interest
Yes. Seed pods begin forming in the fall and self seed by readily dropping seeds from the pod.
Distribution
Habitat: Showy milkweed is typically found in varying habitat locations. It can grow in prairies, fields, savannas, meadows, and even along the roadside. It has such a varying habitat location because it is equipped to deal with both sunny and dry climates. It can be found across the western U.S, although not common in many areas, and can be found in some regions of Canada.
Native to Arkansas? No
Native to Garland County? No
Endemic to Arkansas? No, showy milkweed can be found in Arkansas but it is uncommon.
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. It has been confirmed that Showy milkweed is a host plant for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It is also possible to be a host for a few other species of Caterpillars as well including the Queen (Danaus gilippus), the Clio Tiger Moth (Ectypia clio), and the Hitched Arches (Melanchra adjuncta).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. This plant is a great host and not only supports caterpillars but also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It is deer resistant as most milkweeds are slightly to highly toxic. It has a special pollinator value to many bees including bumble bees, honey bees, and even some native bees.
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Asclepias was the Greek god of medicine, most milkweeds have been used for medicinal purposes. To add on, in Latin speciosa means showy.
Related Plant Species: Showy milkweed is related to the milkweed family. It is considered less aggressive than most milkweeds, making it a great option for gardens. It has similar characteristics to most milkweed including flowers, leaf shape, and is important for many pollinators.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Showy milkweed has been used in the past for medecinal purposes and the fibers from the plant have been used to make ropes and nets. It can also be prepared as a vegetable due to the fact that it is not as toxic compared to other species of milkweed.
References
Calscape. California Native Plant Society. Showy Milkweed [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://calscape.org/Asclepias-speciosa-(Showy-Milkweed)
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. (Last modified: 2018). Austin (TX): University of Texas--Austin. Ascelpias speciosa. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSP
American Meadows. Amanda. How to Plant Milkweed Seed in Fall [cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.americanmeadows.com/content/plant-milkweed-seed-fall
Last edited by Addie Nance, September 2024.