New England Wild Flower Society

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Asclepias exaltata

poke milkweed

This milkweed blooms earlier than any other and is tolerant of both moisture and shade, allowing milkweed lovers to greatly extend the spatial and seasonal range of their plantings. Like all milkweeds, this plant serves as host to monarch caterpillars and other specialist insects, with flowers feeding other pollinators as well.

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Height: 18-54 in
Spread: 12-24 in
Hardiness Zone: 4-8


Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Species
Exposure
• Sun
• Part Shade
Soil Moisture
• Average
• Wet
Ecoregion
• (84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
• (59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
• (83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
• (58) Northeastern Highlands
Ornamental Interest
• Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
• Host Plant
• Other Pollinators/Wildlife
• Attracts Butterflies
• Attracts Bees
Tolerance
• Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Additional Attributes
• Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
• Naturalize
• Specimen


North American Distribution


poke milkweed - Asclepias exaltata from Native Plant Trust
poke milkweed - Asclepias exaltata from Native Plant Trust