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
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USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9
Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements.
Characteristics & Attributes
Hydrologic Designation
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Nature Attracting
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Root
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Season of Interest
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Mid (May-June) |
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Late (July-frost) |
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Soil Moisture
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Special Uses
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Dried Flower |
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Fragrant |
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Sun Exposure
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USFS MO Ecological Map
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Wildlife Benefit
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Butterfly Nectar |
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Butterfly Host |
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