Oval-leaf Milkweed
Asclepias ovalifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Oval-leaf 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
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
IA, IL, MI, MN and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Oval-leaf milkweed is a compact native perennial with broad, silvery-green leaves and clusters of small white to pale pink flowers. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows in a neat, low mound and goes dormant in winter, returning reliably each spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Oval-leaf 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: mid zone, backyard only.
- Milkweed name may concern uninformed HOA boards
- Can look weedy when dormant
- May spread gradually via underground rhizomes
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various bees, butterflies, and moths. Critical component of pollinator conservation efforts.
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 Oval-leaf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.