Asclepias speciosa

Common Name:
Showy milkweed
Plant Type:
Deciduous perennial
Family:
Asclepiadaceae (The Milkweed Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
To 3 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Summer

Flower Color:
White
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to occasional watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less

This robust perennial produces several erect stems rising as much as 4 feet. Paired at intervals along them are broad 3-6 inch, usually white-woolly leaves. Flowers appear in late spring and summer, producing many-flowered clusters of pale pink to white flowers. The seed pods are large and knobby, making an interesting display.