Asclepias speciosus
Showy Milkweed
Description
Herbaceous upright succulent-like. Grows at a moderate rate to 3' x 3'. Basically leafless, gray green stems provide a strong vertical accent for landscapes. White-pink flowers borne in clusters spring to fall. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Sonoran Desert. Butterfly and hummingbird attractor. Larval food of the Monarch Butterfly.
Plant Type
Succulent
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
Green, Grey
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Poisonous
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Entry, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Wildlife
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.