Fewflower Milkweed
Asclepias lanceolata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Fewflower Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Fewflower milkweed is a native perennial that produces clusters of orange or red flowers from June through August. This medium-sized plant grows 12-36 inches tall with narrow leaves and prefers full sun conditions. It goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning each spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fewflower Milkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Often perceived as a weed due to milkweed reputation
- Can look messy when dormant or going to seed
- May spread via underground rhizomes
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
This milkweed species is essential for monarch butterfly reproduction and serves as a nectar source for various native bees and moths. The plant supports the complete monarch lifecycle as caterpillars can only survive on milkweed species.
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 Fewflower Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.