Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native perennial forb blooming pink-purple from June through August across the eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.
Common 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
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, CT, DE, IA and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Common milkweed is a tall native perennial that produces clusters of fragrant pink to purple flowers in summer. It spreads by underground rhizomes and can form colonies over time, making it better suited for naturalized areas than formal gardens.
Growing Common Milkweed
Grow Common Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Milkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- Tall growth may appear unkempt in formal settings
- Pods release fluffy seeds that can blow around
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
This plant is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as their primary larval host plant. The flowers attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Common Milkweed bloom?
- Common Milkweed blooms from June through August, producing fragrant pink to purple flower clusters.
- What pollinators visit Common Milkweed?
- Common Milkweed attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), and moths with its nectar-rich flowers.
- Where is Common Milkweed native?
- Common Milkweed is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine west to Montana and south to Arkansas and North Carolina.
- What growing conditions does Common Milkweed prefer?
- Common Milkweed grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and adapts to various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.
- Is Common Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Common 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 Common Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Common 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 Common Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Common Milkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Common Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.