Greek Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias speciosa is a drought-tolerant native milkweed found across western and central North America. This perennial forb produces clusters of fragrant pink flowers from June through August, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths.
Greek 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.
Greek Milkweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
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.
Growing Greek Milkweed
Grow Greek Milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Asclepias speciosa naturally grow?
- Greek Milkweed is native to 19 western and central states, from Washington and California east to Minnesota and Texas, thriving in prairies, meadows, and open areas.
- When does Greek Milkweed bloom?
- Asclepias speciosa typically blooms from June through August, producing large clusters of fragrant pink to purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Greek Milkweed?
- This milkweed species attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), and moths. The large flower clusters provide an excellent nectar source.
- Is Greek Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Greek 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 Greek Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Greek 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.
- Is Greek Milkweed toxic to livestock?
- Greek Milkweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Greek Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Greek Milkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
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