Common milkweed reaches three to five feet, filling the early summer air with dusty pink flower clusters. Its broad, velvety leaves and sturdy stems make it a bold presence in the garden, loved by pollinators and foragers alike.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this milkweed is tough, drought-tolerant, and nearly indestructible once established. It spreads by underground rhizomes, making it advantageous enough to compete against Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).

A true free spirit, Common Milkweed will spread and form dense colonies over time, creating a lush, pollinator filled thicket. Best suited for wild gardens, meadows, or large spaces where it can spread naturally. Is very easily transplanted by splitting the rhizome.

Widespread across North America, it thrives in fields, roadsides, and open woodlands, often appearing in disturbed soils. Once a stable of the prairie ecosystem, it continues to play a crucial role in supporting native wildlife.

Spring brings sturdy green stems, followed by abundant summer blooms that transform into large, spiky green seed pods. In fall, the pods split open, releasing silky seeds into the wind, while winter leaves behind striking skeletal stems.

A biodiversity powerhouse, it provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while serving as the larval host for Monarchs.