• Close-up of Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) flowers. A cluster of star-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers with intricate, pointed petals arranged in a spherical formation, set against large, green leaves.
  • A Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) plant is shown growing among grasses and dry leaf litter. Its thick, velvety leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along a sturdy, upright stem. Clusters of flower buds are just beginning to show color, with soft pink and cream hues emerging at the tips. The prominent veins and pale green fuzz on the foliage give the plant a distinctive, almost silvery appearance.
  • A colony of Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) thriving in a prairie habitat. The tall, leafy stems support numerous round clusters of pink flowers, interspersed with other native wildflowers and grasses.
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Wild About Flowers

Asclepias specious - Showy Milkweed

Asclepias specious - Showy Milkweed

$5.00 CAD
$5.00 CAD
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Showy Milkweed is a tall, robust perennial with large, fragrant clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that provide a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its broad, velvety leaves and thick stems give it a striking presence in meadows, roadsides, and open grasslands. Blooming in early to mid-summer, it plays a crucial role in supporting Monarch butterflies, serving as both a nectar source for adults and a host plant for their caterpillars. It also attracts honey and smaller Native Bees as well as Hummingbirds.

Thriving in well-drained soils, Showy Milkweed is highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for naturalized plantings, however, it spreads aggressively through deep rhizomes and wind-borne seeds. It flourishes in dry prairies, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. Like other milkweed species, its milky sap contains toxic cardiac glycosides that deter browsing by deer and other herbivores.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Intermediate
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Slow
Age to First Bloom: 4-5

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 10

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Dry
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Clay

Height

  • 36" - 48"
  • 48" +

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Pink

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Aggressive
  • Very Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Fragrant
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Toxic or Posionous Parts

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western Canada, Showy Milkweed is found from BC, to SK and down through much of the western and central states.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Indigenous groups used the latex sap of Asclepias specious as a remedy for warts and other skin conditions.

⚠️ Toxicity Note: All parts of Showy Milkweed contain cardiac glycosides, which are toxic if ingested in large quantities by humans or animals. The milky sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.