Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower primarily found in western and central North America. While it is rare in Illinois and mostly limited to western portions of the state, it can thrive in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun, making it well-suited for prairie gardens, dry meadows, and native pollinator plantings.
This robust plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features broad, oval to lance-shaped, velvety gray-green leaves arranged oppositely along stout stems. From early to mid-summer, it produces large, rounded clusters of star-shaped, pink to purplish-pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Like other milkweeds, it exudes a milky sap when broken and serves as an important host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias speciosa is a showy and ecologically valuable addition to native plantings in dry, sunny areas. It provides nectar for a wide range of pollinators—including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—and pairs beautifully with other prairie species like purple coneflower, blazing star, and little bluestem. Though less common than other milkweeds in Illinois, it can be grown successfully in suitable habitats and is prized for its large, ornamental blooms.
Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower primarily found in western and central North America. While it is rare in Illinois and mostly limited to western portions of the state, it can thrive in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun, making it well-suited for prairie gardens, dry meadows, and native pollinator plantings.
This robust plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features broad, oval to lance-shaped, velvety gray-green leaves arranged oppositely along stout stems. From early to mid-summer, it produces large, rounded clusters of star-shaped, pink to purplish-pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Like other milkweeds, it exudes a milky sap when broken and serves as an important host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias speciosa is a showy and ecologically valuable addition to native plantings in dry, sunny areas. It provides nectar for a wide range of pollinators—including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—and pairs beautifully with other prairie species like purple coneflower, blazing star, and little bluestem. Though less common than other milkweeds in Illinois, it can be grown successfully in suitable habitats and is prized for its large, ornamental blooms.
Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower primarily found in western and central North America. While it is rare in Illinois and mostly limited to western portions of the state, it can thrive in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun, making it well-suited for prairie gardens, dry meadows, and native pollinator plantings.
This robust plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features broad, oval to lance-shaped, velvety gray-green leaves arranged oppositely along stout stems. From early to mid-summer, it produces large, rounded clusters of star-shaped, pink to purplish-pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Like other milkweeds, it exudes a milky sap when broken and serves as an important host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias speciosa is a showy and ecologically valuable addition to native plantings in dry, sunny areas. It provides nectar for a wide range of pollinators—including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—and pairs beautifully with other prairie species like purple coneflower, blazing star, and little bluestem. Though less common than other milkweeds in Illinois, it can be grown successfully in suitable habitats and is prized for its large, ornamental blooms.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: along shores; wet prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moderately moist to dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay; loam; sand