Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as Common Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in prairies, meadows, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils and prefers full sun.
This plant is well-known for its large, spherical clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies like the monarch, which relies on milkweed species for its larvae. The plant also has broad, oval leaves and tall, sturdy stems that can grow up to 2 to 6 feet in height.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias syriaca is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes. It supports pollinators by providing nectar for bees and butterflies, including the monarch, and it adds visual interest to gardens with its showy flowers. Additionally, Common Milkweed’s pods, which develop after flowering, contain silky fibers that have historically been used for insulation and stuffing. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a great addition to low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes.
Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as Common Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in prairies, meadows, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils and prefers full sun.
This plant is well-known for its large, spherical clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies like the monarch, which relies on milkweed species for its larvae. The plant also has broad, oval leaves and tall, sturdy stems that can grow up to 2 to 6 feet in height.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias syriaca is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes. It supports pollinators by providing nectar for bees and butterflies, including the monarch, and it adds visual interest to gardens with its showy flowers. Additionally, Common Milkweed’s pods, which develop after flowering, contain silky fibers that have historically been used for insulation and stuffing. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a great addition to low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes.
Bloom time: early to mid-summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along railroads and roadsides; fence rows; fields and pastures; moist to dry black soil prairies; sand dunes along lakes shores; sand prairies; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 6 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: rich loamy soil
