Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed (Plant)

Showy milkweed has large clusters of pink star-shaped flowers. Spreads by rhizomes. Asclepias is the only food source for the Monarch and Striated Queen caterpillar. Likes clay soil. Caution: all parts toxic. Plant Characteristics Family Name Apocynaceae Species Name Asclepias speciosa Common Name Showy Milkweed Plant Type Perennial Sun Exposure Coast-Sun, Inland-Sun, Water Requirement Low Soil Type Clay, slow draining Flower Color Pink, Magenta, Rose Flowering Months May, June, July, August, September Evergreen/Deciduous Winter deciduous/dormant Height by Width 4ft. x 10ft. Growth Rate Slow Endangered Not Ranked Growth Habit Spreading, Cold Hardy to 15 degrees F Distribution Throughout CA (except possibly Central Western CA, Southwestern CA, Sonoran Desert, elsewhere);