Asclepias speciosus

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Showy Milkweed

 
Plant photo of: Asclepias speciosus
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Information by: Kathleen Moore        Photographer: GardenSoft

 

Description

Herbaceous upright succulent-like. Grows at a moderate rate to 3' x 3'. Basically leafless, gray green stems provide a strong vertical accent for landscapes. White-pink flowers borne in clusters spring to fall. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Sonoran Desert. Butterfly and hummingbird attractor. Larval food of the Monarch Butterfly.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Succulent

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Green, Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Filler, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.