showy milkweed

plant

Also known as: Asclepias speciosa

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Last updated

July 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a silky-white, perennial herb native to North America. It features opposite, oval leaves and produces abundant clusters of purple-green flowers. Showy milkweed belongs to the genus Asclepias, which comprises about 140 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the dogbane family.12

Many species within the Asclepias genus, including showy milkweed, are cultivated as ornamentals and are vital for attracting butterflies. Notably, milkweed plants are the exclusive food source for the larvae of milkweed butterflies, such as the monarch butterfly. These plants contain acrid, milky juices that make the larvae and subsequent stages distasteful to predators, offering them protection.234

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milkweed
Major species
curassavica), and showy milkweed (A. speciosa) often are cultivated as ornamentals and to attract butterflies. The butterfly weed (A. tuberosa) of North America has bright orange flowers and is an important butterfly host plant. Urban and agricultural development has led to a decline in both wild milkweeds…
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curassavica), and showy milkweed (A. speciosa) often are cultivated as ornamentals and to attract butterflies. The butterfly weed (A. tuberosa) of North America has bright orange flowers and is an important butterfly host plant. Urban and agricultural development has led to a decline in both wild milkweeds…
Read More