How to identify Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

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Showy milkweed

How to identify Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy milkweed is a robust perennial that stretches up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall, spreading through rhizomes to form spacious clumps. Its stems are adorned with large, hairy, oval gray-green leaves, each up to 5 inches (13 cm) in length, organized in opposite pairs. From late spring to early summer, showy milkweed exhibits large, spherical clusters of pale pinkish-purple, star-shaped flowers with a light fragrance, each cluster demonstrating reflexed calyces. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once settled.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Showy milkweed

1

Robust perennial up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall forming clumps through rhizomes.

2

Large, hairy, oval gray-green leaves in opposite pairs up to 5 inches (13 cm) long.

3

Spherical clusters of pale pinkish-purple star-shaped flowers with reflexed calyces.

4

Drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with minimal watering requirements.

Showy milkweed

Showy milkweed

Showy milkweed

Showy milkweed

Showy milkweed

Showy milkweed and Their Similar Plants

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Common milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

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Butterfly weed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

While Asclepias tuberosa is commonly referred to as butterfly weed, it is also known as Canada root, Indian posy, silky swallow-wort, yellow milkweed, butterfly love, white-root and a variety of other names. Both Native Americans and pioneers would use the butterfly weed to make candle wicks.

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Swamp milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.

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Bloodflower vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden or yard, the bloodflower is one of the best ways to do it. This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies with the yellow, red, and orange flowers that bloom on its tall stems in the summer and fall.

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Green milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.

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Narrowleaf milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is essential for the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, which consumes the nectar of this plant. To return the favor, these butterflies pollinate narrowleaf milkweed, ensuring its continued survival. The seedpods of narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) look great in dried flower arrangements.

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Whorled Milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

The whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a perennial herb native to North America which, like other milkweeds, provides food for monarch caterpillars. This form of milkweed is among the most widely distributed varieties and serves as a crucial late-season host for monarch larvae. The Latin name, Asclepias verticillata, is an interpolation of the name of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

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Poke milkweed vs. Showy milkweed: What's The Difference?

Poke milkweed is found naturally in many woodlands and grows well in partial shade. Monarchs and rabbits alike enjoy feeding on its foliage. This plant is not invasive, but it is long-lived.

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Key Facts About Showy milkweed

Attributes of Showy milkweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Gray

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

White

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Showy milkweed

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Showy milkweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Genus

Species

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Learn More About the Showy milkweed

Learn More About the Showy milkweed

A Comprehensive Guide to Showy milkweed How to Grow and Care for Showy milkweed