Milkweed Plant For Sale The Milkweed Plant (Asclepias incarnata) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the Eastern United States. It is well known for being the host of the Monarch butterfly, but is also important for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators! Plant Details - Milkweed Plant Family: Dogbane (Apocynaceae) Light Requirement: Full Water Needs: High Height: +12 ft. Spread: Slow Growth Rate: Fast Bloom Time: Summer Flower Color: Pink Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Milkweed Plant The large, dramatic clusters of star shaped flowers (umbels) at the top of the milkweed plant is fragrant and pastel pink. In the fall, the green ornamental seedpods give way to silky, floating seeds that take to the skies. From gracing the back of the border in a small space to making a statement over a wide meadow, it truly makes a stunning focal point. Add it to your sunny border, pollinator and butterfly garden, and enjoy your happy, buzzing visitors! You will be happy, too. Don’t have a fence? Worry less. Due to toxic “milk” inside the stems, this plant has built-in, high deer resistance. Deer and other critters like squirrels and chipmunks, will avoid this plant in your garden. As a naturalizing plant, one clump will spread and turn into many that you can enjoy over the years! Give each plant room to spread out. Water deeply and regularly in its first growing season to give the roots a good drink and to allow them to take root strongly. Noteworthy Characteristics The genus name of the milkweed plant , Asclepias, references Greek god Asklepios, god of medicine. Commonly found in swamps, bogs, and alongside rivers, this plant is tolerant of having wet feet and will tolerate highly moist conditions. Great for rain gardens and low spots in your garden that collect water. Create an effortless, natural pairing with other native perennials including cardinal flower, chelone, and ironweed. This plant has great ecological benefit: with nectar-rich flowers, this is a pollinator favorite for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike. This is the only food supply for the Monarch butterfly in its larval stage. Mother Nature will thank you for growing it!