Green Milkweed
Asclepias hirtella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias hirtella (Green Milkweed) is a native forb blooming June through August across the central and southeastern United States. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and moths in prairies and open woodlands.
Green 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
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, GA, IA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie milkweed is a compact native wildflower that produces clusters of small greenish-white flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and works well in sunny borders and naturalized areas.
Growing Green Milkweed
Grow Green Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green Milkweed 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 not showy and may appear weedy to conventional tastes
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Milkweed family plants often perceived as too wild for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various native bees, butterflies, and moths. The seeds also attract goldfinches and other songbirds in fall.
Common questions
- When does Green Milkweed bloom?
- Asclepias hirtella blooms from June through August, producing small greenish flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Green Milkweed native?
- Green Milkweed is native to much of the central and southeastern United States, including states from Minnesota and Michigan south to Texas and Georgia.
- What pollinators visit Green Milkweed?
- Bees, butterflies, and moths are attracted to the flowers of Asclepias hirtella. Like other milkweeds, it serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae.
- What growing conditions does Green Milkweed prefer?
- This milkweed thrives in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate drought conditions once established.
- Is Green Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Green 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 Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Green 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 Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Green 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 Green Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.