Description
Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa. Summer blossoms appear in tight, spherical clusters that resemble a burst of fireworks mid-explosion. Each flower is a star-shaped formation, made up of five upward-curving horns atop five rounded petals in an alternating pattern. Colors range from nearly white to soft purple to bright pink, making this Milkweed variety more than worthy of its “showy” namesake. Found in a wide variety of natural settings near rivers and streams, savannas, wetlands, open prairies, meadows, forest clearings, and ditch banks. Attracts many pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and beetles. As a host plant for Monarch Butterfly larvae, it’s is a perfect addition to any butterfly garden, meadow, border planting, or prairie restoration. Grows in dry to moist soil conditions in full sunlight. Height ranges from 2-3′.
