Green Comet Milkweed
Asclepias viridiflora
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias viridiflora (Green Comet Milkweed) is a native forb found across most of the United States, blooming June through August with distinctive green flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Green Comet 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CO and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Green comet milkweed is a compact native perennial with small, inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom through summer. It forms neat clumps and tolerates drought well once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for sunny areas.
Growing Green Comet Milkweed
Grow Green Comet Milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green Comet Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Flowers are very small and may not provide obvious ornamental impact
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, milkweed tussock moth.
This milkweed species supports monarch butterflies as a host plant for caterpillars. The flowers attract various native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the summer months.
Common questions
- When does Green Comet Milkweed bloom?
- Asclepias viridiflora blooms from June through August, producing small clusters of green flowers.
- What pollinators visit Green Comet Milkweed?
- This milkweed species attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its nectar-rich flowers.
- Where is Asclepias viridiflora native?
- Green Comet Milkweed is native to most U.S. states, from the Southeast through the Great Plains and into parts of the Mountain West and Northeast.
- What growing conditions does Green Comet Milkweed prefer?
- This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it ideal for xeriscaping and prairie gardens.
- Is Green Comet Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Green Comet 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 Green Comet Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Green Comet 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 Green Comet Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Green Comet 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 Green Comet Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.