What they do
Milkweeds provide dense clusters of flowers that offer nectar and pollen to a wide range of visiting insects.
Plant profile
Milkweeds
Genus Asclepias
Milkweeds are tough, nectar-rich wildflowers in the genus Asclepias that can turn a garden bed, schoolyard edge, or even a sunny pot into a pollinator stop.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Milkweeds
Aliases
Milkweed
Native Range
Milkweeds (Asclepias) are native to many parts of North America; choose species that are native to your region when possible.
Bloom window
Summer (varies by species)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Milkweeds (genus Asclepias) are classic pollinator-patch plants because they offer lots of small flowers packed into easy-to-find clusters. Different milkweed species fit different places—some like drier, sandy soils, while others do better where the ground stays a bit moist—so the most important step is choosing one that matches your site.
In a garden, milkweeds work well as a “backbone” plant: they’re sturdy, they return each year, and they pair nicely with other wildflowers and grasses. If you’re planting in a small space, look for a compact species and use a container with good drainage. Keep the area weeded while the plant is young, then step back and let it do its thing.
For a pollinator-friendly approach, skip pesticides and focus on simple, low-impact care. A healthy, sunny planting with the right soil moisture is usually the best protection against problems.
Best role for pollinators
Sunny gardens, naturalized edges, and pollinator patches where you want reliable blooms and a plant that can come back year after year.
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Milkweed |
| Bloom window | Summer (varies by species) |
| Typical height | Varies widely by species; from low, compact forms to tall, upright stems |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies, Wasps, Flies, Beetles |
| Light & moisture | Best in sun; moisture needs depend on the species (from drier to wetter sites) |
| Best roles for pollinators | Sunny gardens, naturalized edges, and pollinator patches where you want reliable blooms and a plant that can come back year after year. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Sun and a spot that matches the species’ natural preference for soil moisture; once established, many are fairly low-fuss.
One best action
Choose a milkweed species suited to your site (especially moisture), then let it grow with minimal disturbance.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Milkweeds are a practical choice for pollinator-friendly planting because their clustered blooms feed many visitors, and their perennial habit helps your habitat patch return each year with less effort.
Milkweeds get their name from the white, milky sap that appears when a stem or leaf is broken.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Many pollinators can feed from the same flower cluster, making milkweeds efficient “pit stops.”
- Perennial growth means your patch can improve over time with less replanting.
- Milkweeds can fit into small spaces, including a sunny container, when chosen carefully.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Milkweeds vary by species, but these clues can help you recognize plants in the genus Asclepias.
Leaves
Often broad and smooth-edged; commonly opposite or whorled along the stem, depending on the species.
Flowers
Rounded clusters of many small, star-like flowers; colors vary by species.
Fruits
Elongated pods that mature and split open, releasing seeds with silky fluff.
Gallery image
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Meadows and open fields
- Sunny roadsides and edges
- Prairie-like plantings
- Open woodland edges
- Some species in wetter low spots
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch centerpiece
- Meadow-style planting
- Sunny border or back-of-bed structure (taller species)
- Rain-garden edge or damp area (moisture-loving species)
- Large container planting (compact species with good drainage)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Milkweeds generally bloom in summer, though timing depends on the species and the season.
Bloom Season Role: Mid-season nectar and pollen
Seasonal benefits
- Provides steady bloom when many gardens need mid-season nectar sources
- Pairs well with earlier and later bloomers to keep flowers available across the growing season
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Sun is best for strong stems and good flowering; some species tolerate part sun.
Soil type
Well-drained soil works for many species; others prefer consistently moist soils—match the species to the site.
Moisture needs
Water regularly during establishment; after that, water only during long dry spells (especially in containers).
Planting method
Plant in spring or early fall; give plants room and avoid frequent digging around the roots once established.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch layer if needed to reduce weeds, but keep mulch from piling against the crown.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a sunny spot and choose a milkweed species that fits your soil moisture.
- Clear a small area of grass and weeds so the young plant doesn’t have to compete right away.
- Plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot; firm soil gently around the roots.
- Water well after planting, then keep soil lightly moist until you see new growth.
- Add a simple plant label so it isn’t mistaken for a weed while it’s getting established.
Seasonal care
- Weed around young plants during the first season so they can establish.
- Stake only if needed; many species stand well on their own in full sun.
- Leave stems standing until they’re fully done for the season, then tidy when you’re ready.
- If plants spread by seed and you want fewer volunteers, remove pods before they open.
What not to do
- Choosing a milkweed without checking whether it prefers dry or moist soil.
- Overwatering, especially in containers.
- Removing plants too soon because they look slow to start.
- Using pesticides on or near flowering plants.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Early-blooming native wildflowers suited to your site
- Spring-flowering bulbs (in garden settings where appropriate)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Other summer-blooming native wildflowers
- Clump-forming grasses for support and contrast
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-season native wildflowers to extend bloom into fall
- Seed-bearing plants that add end-of-season interest
Milkweed sap can irritate skin and eyes for some people; handle gently, avoid getting sap in your eyes, and wash hands after working with the plant.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few helpful terms you might see when shopping for or planting milkweeds.
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Pollinators supported
Species that benefit from this plant
Bee flies
Adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms; their presence is a sign of diverse, functioning habitats.
View pollinator profile
Brushfoots
Many brushfoots move pollen between flowers as they feed, and their caterpillars are part of healthy food webs.
View pollinator profile
Bumble bees
Bumble bees are important pollinators of many wildflowers and garden plants, helping ecosystems and food crops reproduce.
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Flower flies / hoverflies
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
View pollinator profile
Hawk / sphinx moths
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
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Leafcutter bees
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden plants set seed and fruit.
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Mason bees
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden crops set seed and fruit.
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Mining bees
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden plants set seed and fruit.
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Paper wasps
They can move pollen while drinking nectar, and they also help control many plant-eating insects.
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Silkmoths (giant moths)
They’re part of healthy food webs and plant communities, and their caterpillars depend on a wide range of native trees and shrubs.
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Skippers
Skippers visit many flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms while they feed.
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Small nectar moths (micro-moths)
Many small moths move pollen while feeding on nectar, supporting wild plants and garden blooms—especially in the evening and at night.
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Soldier beetles
Many adults visit flowers and can move pollen between blooms, while also helping control some garden pests.
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Swallowtails
Adult swallowtails visit many flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
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Sweat bees
They help move pollen between flowers in gardens, parks, and natural areas, supporting seed and fruit production.
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Whites & sulphurs
They visit a wide range of flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
View pollinator profile
Regions
Where this plant is native
Image
Lower Mainland & Puget Lowland
The Lower Mainland & Puget Lowland is a busy, people-centered coastal lowland with rivers, shorelines, and patches of forest and meadow.
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Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests
This region is a set of temperate mountain landscapes where conifer, oak, and mixed forests create layered habitat—from sunny edges and clearings to shaded understories.
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