green milkweed
Asclepias viridis
USDA zones5 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1.5 to 2.5 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Green with purple hood
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist soil of most types. The green flowers have a purple hood and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The sap is sticky, so handle cut stems with care. It sits low on the menu for deer.
Pairs well with New England aster, Blue grama, and Indian grass.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.