poke milkweed
Asclepias exaltata
USDA zones4 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Green and white
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and woodland or naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Green and white flowers hang in loose, drooping clusters and smell strongly sweet in bloom. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit them.
Pairs well with Foam flower, Cardinal flower, Sedge, and Indian grass.
Native range
Eastern United States.