Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)

Plant Description: Asclepias speciosa is herbaceous perennial spread by rhizomes. The whole plant is grayish and pubescent, except for a few specimen that sometimes are free from hair. From June-August, during bloom, showy milkweed is easily recognized by the striking beauty of its large pink to reddish purple inflorescence. The flowers are densely woolly and arranged in an intricate umbel structure, each one composed of 15 to 25 blossoms. Individual blossoms bear 5 petals each and are sharply bent backwards. The stems are hollow and ooze with milky sap. The long (up to 6 inches) felty leaves occur in opposite pairs, and vary in shape from ovate to oblong to cordate (heart-shaped). After flowering is completed, hairy pods filled with brown, flat seeds are produced. Height: 3-5ft Width: 2-4ft Watering needs: Dry-Medium moisture Sun needs: Full sun Soil needs: Loamy to sandy Bloom Time: June-August Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This Willamette Valley native is widely sca