Green Milkweed
Asclepias hirtella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Green Milkweed 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
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.
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.
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.