Milkweeds — Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) Plants

This little-known milkweed is the first to bloom of our local species, usually in mid-June. The dainty white or pale green flowers dangle from the stem. When planted as a clump of seedlings in part shade, it makes a handsome addition to a native garden and serves as a host plant for the monarch butterfly. Stays as a clump, does not expand from the roots.

Native to: Maine

Growing conditions: sun to part shade in medium soil

Grows up to: 4'

Blooms: in early summer

Natural habitat: deciduous woodland edges and roadsides

Pairs well with: Canada mayflower, Zig-zag goldenrod, Northern maidenhair fern