Four-leaf Milkweed
Asclepias quadrifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Four-leaf 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Four-leaf milkweed is a compact native perennial with distinctive whorled leaves and small clusters of pale pink or white flowers in early summer. This smaller milkweed species forms neat clumps and works well in partially shaded areas where other milkweeds might struggle.
In an HOA neighborhood
Four-leaf Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter
- May need education about milkweed benefits
- Flowers are small and subtle
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, queen butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various native bees, butterflies, and moths. Its compact size makes it ideal for pollinator gardens in smaller spaces.
Common questions
- How much sun does Four-leaf Milkweed need?
- Four-leaf Milkweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Four-leaf Milkweed bloom?
- Four-leaf Milkweed blooms in June and July.
- Where is Four-leaf Milkweed native?
- Four-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Four-leaf Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Four-leaf 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 Four-leaf Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Four-leaf 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 Four-leaf Milkweed host?
- Four-leaf Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly and queen butterfly.
- Is Four-leaf Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Four-leaf 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 Four-leaf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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