// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Showy milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 2'–3'. Blooms May–Sep.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 22 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: 2'–3'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Bloom: May–Sep
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) — *Asclepias speciosa* — Showy milkweed. Photo by vicki watkins from USA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 2'–3'. Blooms May–Sep.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, showy milkweed pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).