Green Milkweed

Location: Wildlife Plant Garden

Names:

  • Common Name: Green Milkweed
  • Botanical Name: Asclepias viridis
  • AKA: Spider Milkweed

Description: Green Milkweed is a native, perennial forb or herb with alternate, entire leaves. The leaf margins are often wavy. Flowers are white and in an umbel, mostly one per plant. Upon close inspection, some rose or purple color is evident in the center of each individual flower (gynostegium). The milky substance that is exuded when a plant part is broken is very sticky, much resembling “Elmer’s glue.” These milkweeds bloom from late spring to middle summer.

Best Growing Conditions: Full Sun; Low Water Demand; Moist Soil; Cold and Heat Tolerant

Landscape Use: Deer Resistant

Wildlife Value: Nectar Source (Butterflies)