Poke Milkweed
Asclepias exaltata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is a native woodland wildflower found throughout eastern North America, blooming white flowers from June through August. This shade-tolerant milkweed thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and supports bees, butterflies, and wasps.
Poke 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, wasps
Poke milkweed is a tall native perennial that thrives in partial shade with distinctive clusters of small white to pale pink flowers. This milkweed species naturally grows in woodland edges and can reach up to 6 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for adding height to shaded garden areas.
Growing Poke Milkweed
Grow Poke Milkweed in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Poke Milkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall growth can appear unmanaged
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
- May spread and look weedy to conservative neighbors
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, milkweed tussock moth.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. The flowers are particularly attractive to native pollinators during the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- Where does Poke Milkweed naturally grow?
- Poke Milkweed is native to eastern North America, found from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Iowa, including most northeastern and southeastern states.
- When does Poke Milkweed bloom?
- Poke Milkweed produces clusters of small white flowers from June through August, making it a mid to late summer bloomer.
- What pollinators visit Poke Milkweed?
- Poke Milkweed attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and wasps. Like other milkweeds, it serves as both a nectar source and host plant for monarch butterflies.
- What growing conditions does Poke Milkweed prefer?
- Unlike many milkweeds that prefer full sun, Poke Milkweed thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium to moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- Is Poke Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Poke 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 Poke Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Poke 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 Poke Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Poke 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 Poke Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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