Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) is a perennial herb in the Apocynaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A tall, perennial herbaceous plant with broad, oval leaves and clusters of fragrant pink to purplish flowers, known for its milky sap and essential role as a Monarch butterfly host.

Common Milkweed

Common Milkweed

Asclepias Syriaca

A tall, perennial herbaceous plant with broad, oval leaves and clusters of fragrant pink to purplish flowers, known for its milky sap and essential role as a Monarch butterfly host.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-9

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, clay
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:specimen, pollinator support, habitat plant

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Common Milkweed

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Apocynaceae
Genus:Asclepias