Asclepias syriaca.
Common Milkweed is a perennial wildflower native to most regions of the United States.
Plant grows quickly to between 2 and 4 feet in height. In late spring to early summer, fragrant clusters of pink-purple flowers will bloom until the end of August.
Though it was once used in a number of commercial applications including the manufacture of paper, fabric, lubricants, and fuels, this widespread, hardy plant is best known for attracting flocks of butterflies and their larvae—particularly monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed exclusively on the milkweed's leaves and stems.
Common Milkweed
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade Soil Type: Average, well-drained Sow Depth: 1/8 inch Plant Spacing: 24 to 32 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: June through August Growing Tips
Direct sow just beneath the soil's surface in late fall. Germination will occur after the last spring frost. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.