Green Antelopehorns
Asclepias viridis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Green Antelopehorns 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
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, wasps
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Antelope-horns is a compact milkweed with unique green and white flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant native grows in neat clumps and requires minimal care once established. The plant goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring regrowth.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green Antelopehorns takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Flowers are green and inconspicuous, may appear weedy to untrained eye
- Completely dies back in winter leaving bare spots
- Milkweed family has reputation as 'weed' despite native status
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. Part of the critical milkweed family that supports declining monarch populations.
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 Green Antelopehorns and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.