How much sun does Dwarf Milkweed need?

Dwarf Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dwarf Milkweed bloom?

Dwarf Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Dwarf Milkweed native?

Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias pumila) is native to CO, KS, MT, ND and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Dwarf Milkweed toxic to dogs?

Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf Milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes. Dwarf 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.

What butterflies or moths does Dwarf Milkweed host?

Dwarf Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.

Is Dwarf Milkweed HOA-friendly?

Dwarf Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Dwarf Milkweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asclepias pumila

Last reviewed: June 2026

Dwarf 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

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, KS, MT, ND and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains

Dwarf milkweed is a compact native perennial that stays under a foot tall with small greenish-white flower clusters in summer. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps and goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring regrowth.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dwarf Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Completely dormant in winter with no above-ground presence

Wildlife value

Host plant for monarch butterfly.

Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various bees, butterflies, and beetles. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in supporting pollinator populations.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf Milkweed need?: Dwarf Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dwarf Milkweed bloom?: Dwarf Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Dwarf Milkweed native?: Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias pumila) is native to CO, KS, MT, ND and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Dwarf Milkweed toxic to dogs?: Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf Milkweed toxic to cats?: Yes. Dwarf 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.
What butterflies or moths does Dwarf Milkweed host?: Dwarf Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
Is Dwarf Milkweed HOA-friendly?: Dwarf Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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