Green Antelopehorns
Asclepias viridis
Last reviewed: July 2026
Asclepias viridis (Green Antelopehorns) is a native milkweed that blooms May through July across the central and southeastern United States. This drought-tolerant forb attracts bees, butterflies, and wasps with its distinctive green flowers.
Green Antelopehorns 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
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.
Growing Green Antelopehorns
Grow Green Antelopehorns in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Asclepias viridis bloom?
- Green Antelopehorns blooms from May through July, producing clusters of greenish flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Asclepias viridis native?
- This milkweed is native to 19 states across the central and southeastern United States, including Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
- What pollinators visit Green Antelopehorns?
- Asclepias viridis attracts bees, butterflies, and wasps. Like other milkweeds, it serves as both a nectar source and potential host plant for monarch butterflies.
- What growing conditions does Asclepias viridis prefer?
- Green Antelopehorns thrives in full sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and prairie restorations.
- Is Green Antelopehorns toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Green Antelopehorns 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 Green Antelopehorns toxic to cats?
- Yes. Green Antelopehorns 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 Green Antelopehorns HOA-friendly?
- Green Antelopehorns 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.
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