Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca · Herbaceous Perennial (Note: This is a botanical plant, not a tree)
Plant Family
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Tree Category
Wildflower / Herbaceous Perennial
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
About This Tree
While not a tree, this is a robust, upright perennial. It features a single, unbranched thick stem containing milky sap (latex). It is known for its globular clusters of fragrant pink-to-purple flowers and large, ornamental 'teardrop' shaped seed pods that burst to release silky seeds.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are large, broad, and oval-to-oblong in shape. They are arranged oppositely along the stem. They have a prominent light-colored midrib and a velvety, fine-haired texture on the underside. Color is a dusty green to deep green.
Bark Characteristics
Does not have true bark; has a thick, succulent, light-green to reddish-tinted herbaceous stem that is smooth or slightly puberulent (finely hairy).
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, east of the Rocky Mountains, from Canada down to the Southern United States.
Growing Season
Emerges in late spring; flowers in early to mid-summer (June-August); produces seed pods in late summer and autumn; goes dormant/dies back to the ground in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun; moderate watering needs. It is very drought tolerant once established and adapted to various soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Mature Size
Mature height of 3 to 5 feet; spreads 1 to 3 feet via underground rhizomes; fast growth rate during the spring and summer.
Special Characteristics
Extremely high drought tolerance; famous for its role as the primary host plant for Monarch butterflies; contains cardenolides (toxic to most mammals but protective for Monarchs); features beautiful fall pods used in dried arrangements.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological value as the sole food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. The nectar is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provides habitat for milkweed bugs and aphids which in turn support ladybugs and lacewings.