Longleaf Milkweed
Asclepias longifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Longleaf 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 × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Longleaf milkweed is a native perennial with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small white or greenish-white flowers that bloom through summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and is less aggressive than common milkweed, making it suitable for cultivated gardens. It goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth emerges.
In an HOA neighborhood
Longleaf Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Completely disappears in winter which may look unplanted
- Name contains 'milkweed' which some may associate with weeds
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various bees, butterflies, and moths. The flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and smaller butterfly species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Longleaf Milkweed need?
- Longleaf Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Longleaf Milkweed bloom?
- Longleaf Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Longleaf Milkweed native?
- Longleaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Longleaf Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Longleaf 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 Longleaf Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Longleaf 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.
- What butterflies or moths does Longleaf Milkweed host?
- Longleaf Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
- Is Longleaf Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Longleaf 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 Longleaf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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