Greek Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Greek 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
low
Size
24"–48" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Showy milkweed produces large, fragrant pink flower clusters on tall, sturdy stems from June through August. This native perennial has broad, oval leaves and develops interesting seed pods in fall before going dormant in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Greek 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.
- Can spread aggressively through underground rhizomes
- Stems and leaves die back to ground level creating bare patches
- May be perceived as too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for numerous butterflies, bees, and moths. The flowers are particularly attractive to native long-horned bees and painted lady butterflies.
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 Greek Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.