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 (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"–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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Oval-leaf Milkweed need?
- Oval-leaf Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Oval-leaf Milkweed bloom?
- Oval-leaf Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Oval-leaf Milkweed native?
- Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia) is native to IA, IL, MI, MN and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Oval-leaf Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Oval-leaf 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 Oval-leaf Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Oval-leaf 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 Oval-leaf Milkweed host?
- Oval-leaf Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
- Is Oval-leaf Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Oval-leaf 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 Oval-leaf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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