Poke milkweed, Asclepias exaltata
Poke milkweed is a milkweed for the shade! It grows between 50 cm and 1.50 m tall and has elegant, white, drooping flowers. It is not aggressive- only common milkweed is- and, therefore, is suitable for small spaces.
Ecology:
It is the host plant for the monarch butterfly and some moth species. Bees and butterflies visit it for its nectar. Pollen is in sticky pollen sacs that attach to insect legs.
Rabbits will feed on its leaves.
Growing Conditions:
It prefers rich, moist woodland soil that is well-drained and in dappled shade. To increase fertility and organic matter in your garden, leave the leaves and chop and drop what you prune to have organic matter decompose in place.
Transplanting from pots into the soil often stresses this plant, and it can go dormant. Adequate water and shade help with the transition.
Poke Milkweed
50 cm -
1.50 m
pollinator woodland dappled shade -
full shade
host plant deer resistant rich woodland soil high in organic matter
pollen white flowers medium-wet to
medium-dry
nectar not spreading .
Garden symphony:
Bluestem goldenrod, maidenhair fern, large leaf aster, oak sedge.