Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)
Asclepias exaltata, commonly known as Poke Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in woodlands, meadows, and moist, shaded areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, moist soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features tall, upright stems with large, lance-shaped leaves. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and moths. The flowers are followed by distinctive seed pods, which are a key feature of milkweed species. The plant can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, making it a striking addition to shaded or woodland gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias exaltata is an excellent choice for shaded landscapes and pollinator gardens. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including monarch butterflies, which rely on milkweed species for food during their larval stage. This plant is also an attractive addition to naturalized gardens, adding height and seasonal interest.
Asclepias exaltata, commonly known as Poke Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in woodlands, meadows, and moist, shaded areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, moist soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features tall, upright stems with large, lance-shaped leaves. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and moths. The flowers are followed by distinctive seed pods, which are a key feature of milkweed species. The plant can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, making it a striking addition to shaded or woodland gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias exaltata is an excellent choice for shaded landscapes and pollinator gardens. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including monarch butterflies, which rely on milkweed species for food during their larval stage. This plant is also an attractive addition to naturalized gardens, adding height and seasonal interest.
Asclepias exaltata, commonly known as Poke Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in woodlands, meadows, and moist, shaded areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, moist soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features tall, upright stems with large, lance-shaped leaves. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and moths. The flowers are followed by distinctive seed pods, which are a key feature of milkweed species. The plant can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, making it a striking addition to shaded or woodland gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias exaltata is an excellent choice for shaded landscapes and pollinator gardens. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including monarch butterflies, which rely on milkweed species for food during their larval stage. This plant is also an attractive addition to naturalized gardens, adding height and seasonal interest.
Bloom time: summer
Habitats: areas along paths in woodlands; rich mesic woodlands; sandy woodlands; upland rocky woodlands; woodland borders; woodland openings; wooded slopes
Lifespan: perennial
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 5 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to dappled sunlight
Soil: rich loam; sandy loam