How to Grow and Care for Common milkweed

Common milkweed, also known as Silkweed, Butterfly flower, Silky swallow-wort, Virginia silkweed, Cottonweed

Common milkweed is a hardy perennial that typically requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant, making watering a less frequent concern. Special care points include ensuring well-draining soil to prevent root rot and cautious handling due to its sap, which can be irritating to the skin. Overall, common milkweed is considered easy to care for due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Common milkweed

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	3-8
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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The Toxicity of Common milkweed

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More General Info About Common milkweed

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Common milkweed is characterized by its capacity to grow in a range of soil conditions, from average, well-draining to dry, in full sun. It is a herbaceous perennial with a milky sap that exudes when stems or leaves are broken. Its seeds are attached to numerous hairs, assisting in wind dispersal, and the distinctive seed pods exhibit a warty texture. Common milkweed easily propagates via seeds or root cuttings, and tends to occupy considerable space, indicating a potential for naturalization in suitable garden settings.