Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed)
Shade tolerant, Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of white to pink flowers produced in summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks.
Shade tolerant, Asclepias exaltata (Poke Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of white to pink flowers produced in summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks. Strikingly aromatic when in bloom, they are a great source of nectar for butterflies. They are followed by beautiful elongated seed pods. The leaves are opposite, long-stalked, broadly elliptical, with pointed tips. They can be up to 8 in. long (20 cm). During the fall, each seed pod splits open along one side to release its seeds. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asclepias |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |