Showy Milkweed

An important host plant for Monarch butterflies.

Showy Milkweed is similar in form to Common Milkweed but less aggressive, making it more manageable in a garden setting. About 3 feet high, it features large oval leaves, and spikey pink flower clusters atop thick stems. The very fragrant blooms give way to prominent 2 - 3 inch long seed pods and the leaves turn bright Gold in the fall.

Native to the western U.S. and upper Midwest, Showy Milkweed tolerates a variety of soil types and conditions and is very drought tolerant. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on plants in the Asclepias genus, otherwise known as milkweeds. You're sure to see Monarchs when you plant milkweeds.

• Perennial 
• Spreads through rhizomes