Like most plants of the Asclepias quadrifolia genus, four-leaf milkweed is toxic. The stem and leaves of four-leaf milkweed contain a thick, milky juice. The plant produces showy flowers, and it attracts various insects that feed on the foliage. The monarch butterfly needs four-leaf milkweed in order to survive.
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Spring, Summer, Early fall
Bloom Time
30 cm to 90 cm
Plant Height
45 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
8 mm to 1.3 cm
Flower Size
5 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate
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Distribution
Quickly Identify
Care Guide
Images of Four-leaf milkweed
Distribution of Four-leaf milkweed
Distribution Map
Four-leaf milkweed is a plant native to the eastern regions of North America. It has expanded its range modestly through introduction, being noted in parts of Europe. Four-leaf milkweed thrives in its natural habitat, though the extent of its naturalized presence elsewhere is limited.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Open deciduous woods and forest margins
Quickly Identify Four-leaf milkweed
1
Distinctive leaf whorls with sets of four leaves in a single arrangement.
2
Thick, white sap exuded when foliage or stems are damaged.
Water:
Four-leaf milkweed thrives in moderate moisture, benefiting from dappled light and well-draining soil. It requires weekly watering to maintain humidity, balancing drought resistance. Typically grown outdoors, four-leaf milkweed aligns with natural rainfall patterns critical for its growth cycles and water needs.
Fertilize:
For four-leaf milkweed, utilize balanced fertilizers at quarter-strength monthly in spring and summer, reducing to bi-monthly in fall, and pausing in winter. Avoid excessive application to maintain healthy blooms, ensuring thorough watering post-application to distribute nutrients and prevent root burn.
Pruning:
Pruning four-leaf milkweed in early to late spring enhances growth and bloom abundance by removing dead stems. Cut back to one-third of the height for better air circulation, which promotes health and vigor, resulting in a robust and visually appealing plant.
Propagation:
Four-leaf milkweed is a perennial herb with slender stems and whorled leaves. Propagate using cold-stratified seeds sown in well-draining soil under full to partial sunlight. Maintain moisture for germination, which may take weeks, and transplant seedlings once they have a strong root system.
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