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16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
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Asclepias syriaca

Common Milkweed

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Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)

This native milkweed species is the most common. The dense round clusters of dull lavender flowers have an extremely sweet fragrance and produce abundant nectar, attracting a wide variety of pollinators, among them the large and striking Monarch Butterfly. Milkweed plays a critical role in the life cycle of the Monarch, serving as the preferred host plant for its conspicuously black and yellow striped larvae and for the green chrysalis rimmed with gold dots attached to the bottom of a leaf.

Additional Information:


Height
24-36 Inches

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Spread
9-18 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Lavender


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements.

Good Companions
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), Rose Verbena (Glandularia canadensis)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

UPL

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Root

Taproot

Season of Interest

Mid (May-June)
Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Average

Special Uses

Dried Flower
Fragrant

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Butterfly Nectar
Butterfly Host