Aquatic Milkweed
Asclepias perennis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias perennis (Aquatic Milkweed) is a native wetland perennial blooming white flowers from March through August across the southeastern and south-central United States.
Aquatic Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
18"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 9 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Aquatic Milkweed is a compact native perennial that produces small white flowers from spring through summer. This moisture-loving plant forms neat clumps and stays relatively low, making it suitable for areas with consistent water availability.
Growing Aquatic Milkweed
Grow Aquatic Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Aquatic Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Essential host plant for monarch butterflies and supports various native bees. The long blooming period provides nectar resources throughout much of the growing season.
Common questions
- Where does Aquatic Milkweed naturally grow?
- Asclepias perennis is native to wetlands and moist areas across the southeastern and south-central United States, including states from Florida and Texas north to Illinois and Indiana.
- When does Aquatic Milkweed bloom?
- Aquatic Milkweed produces white flowers from March through August, with peak blooming typically occurring in late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Aquatic Milkweed?
- Asclepias perennis attracts butterflies and bees with its nectar-rich flowers, and serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars like other milkweed species.
- What growing conditions does Aquatic Milkweed prefer?
- This milkweed thrives in full sun to partial sun with consistently moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and natural wetland areas.
- Is Aquatic Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Aquatic Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Aquatic Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Aquatic Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Aquatic Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Aquatic Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Aquatic Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.