Asclepias exaltata
Asclepias exaltata | poke milkweed
Want to increase pollinator habitat but have a shady garden? It’s still possible to promote biodiversity by growing this lesser-known milkweed. Naturally occurring in open woodlands and at forest edges, this slender plant will thrive with less light than most other milkweeds. Although a taller species reaching 4’ or more, poke milkweed is a less aggressive spreader that can easily be incorporated in smaller gardens. And with its unique greenish-white flowers, this woodland native brings a calming and graceful bloom during the summer months. This species is more difficult to establish than other native milkweeds but is worth the effort for adventurous gardeners!
*No advance orders, availability will be posted in May.
Asclepias exaltata | poke milkweed
Want to increase pollinator habitat but have a shady garden? It’s still possible to promote biodiversity by growing this lesser-known milkweed. Naturally occurring in open woodlands and at forest edges, this slender plant will thrive with less light than most other milkweeds. Although a taller species reaching 4’ or more, poke milkweed is a less aggressive spreader that can easily be incorporated in smaller gardens. And with its unique greenish-white flowers, this woodland native brings a calming and graceful bloom during the summer months. This species is more difficult to establish than other native milkweeds but is worth the effort for adventurous gardeners!
*No advance orders, availability will be posted in May.
Asclepias exaltata | poke milkweed
Want to increase pollinator habitat but have a shady garden? It’s still possible to promote biodiversity by growing this lesser-known milkweed. Naturally occurring in open woodlands and at forest edges, this slender plant will thrive with less light than most other milkweeds. Although a taller species reaching 4’ or more, poke milkweed is a less aggressive spreader that can easily be incorporated in smaller gardens. And with its unique greenish-white flowers, this woodland native brings a calming and graceful bloom during the summer months. This species is more difficult to establish than other native milkweeds but is worth the effort for adventurous gardeners!
*No advance orders, availability will be posted in May.
HABIT
Height: 4-5’
Bloom Time: early- to mid-summer
SITE CONDITIONS
Light: part shade, shade
Soil: medium-wet, average, medium-dry
CULTIVATION TIPS
Establishment: slow, may show signs of stress following transplanting
Deer Resistance: high
INTERACTIONS
Pollinator Support: high
Other: host plant for monarch butterfly
CONSERVATION
Native Range: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest
Seed Propagated: yes