Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, woodlands, and roadsides that are mesic to dry. It is the host plant for two species of butterflies, two moths, and is a nectar source for other insects and hummingbirds. The purplish colored flowers appear in the spring. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.

Taxonomy and History of Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Taxonomy

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) was described by John Torrey, an American botanist, in 1828. This plant is a member of the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae).

Showy Milkweed Description and Alternative Names

Description

Showy milkweed is a herbaceous perennial that grows to 1 to 3 feet tall. The opposite, elliptic to ovate, simple, entire leaves range up to 8 inches in length and about 4 inches in width.

Alternative Names

This plant is also known as Greek Milkweed.

Range and Habitat

Range

This species native to the mid-west and western United States.

Habitat

Showy Milkweed grows in open sunny places such as fields that are mesic to dry.

Host Species

This plant is a host to the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus). For moths, it hosts the Dogbane Tiger Moth (Cycnia tenera) and the red-belted clearwing moth (Synanthedon myopaeformis).

Other Wildlife Value

The flowers are used as a nectar source by other butterflies, bees, insects, and hummingbirds.

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Asclepias, is from Asklepios, the Greek God of Medicine. The species name, speciosa, means showy (Missouri Botanical Garden).