Red Milkweed
Asclepias rubra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Red 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
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red milkweed is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of bright red-orange flowers from June through August. It grows 1-3 feet tall with a neat, upright habit and attractive narrow leaves that provide structure throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter
- May self-seed in optimal conditions
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
This plant is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant for their caterpillars and nectar source for adults. It also attracts native bees, moths, and other beneficial pollinators with its vibrant summer blooms.
Common questions
- How much sun does Red Milkweed need?
- Red Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Red Milkweed bloom?
- Red Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Red Milkweed native?
- Red Milkweed (Asclepias rubra) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Red Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Red 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 Red Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Red 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 Red Milkweed host?
- Red Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
- Is Red Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Red 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 Red Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.