Dwarf Milkweed
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
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Dwarf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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