Milkweed plants are essential to many ecosystems, providing habitat and food for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. With 37 types of milkweed found across North America, these plants vary in size, flower color, and growing conditions. Whether you’re a gardener looking to attract butterflies or a conservationist aiming to support native species, understanding different types of milkweed can help you make the best choices for your region.
Each type of milkweed has unique characteristics, from the well-known Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to the delicate Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). Some thrive in dry, sandy soils, while others prefer moist environments. Many species are perennials, returning year after year to provide nectar and shelter for insects and wildlife.
In this guide, we’ll explore 37 types of milkweed, highlighting their distinct features, ideal growing conditions, and USDA hardiness zones. Whether you’re interested in native species for your garden or simply want to learn more about these fascinating plants, this list will help you identify and appreciate the diversity of milkweed.
Different Types of Milkweed
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is one of the most visually striking milkweed species, producing brilliant orange or yellow flowers that stand out in meadows and gardens. Unlike most milkweeds, it lacks the signature milky sap, and its sturdy stems support clusters of nectar-rich blooms. It’s a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a favorite for pollinator gardens.
This species thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and prefers full sun with well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, Butterfly Weed requires little maintenance and does not spread aggressively. Its deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant, so starting from seed or selecting a permanent location is best.
Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is a rare and visually striking species, standing out with its deep purple, sweetly fragrant flower clusters. It closely resembles Common Milkweed but with more vibrant coloration and a more compact growth habit. Found in meadows, woodland edges, and open prairies, it provides essential nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
Growing in USDA zones 3-9, Purple Milkweed prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It spreads by both seeds and rhizomes but is less aggressive than Common Milkweed. Due to habitat loss, this species is considered rare in parts of its range, making conservation efforts and garden cultivation especially valuable.
White Milkweed
White Milkweed (Asclepias variegata) is a distinctive species known for its spherical clusters of about 30 small, white flowers. Initially green, the flower buds turn white before blooming, with subtle purple tinges at the base, earning it the nickname “Redring Milkweed.” These fragrant blossoms are rich in nectar, attracting bees, wasps, butterflies, and ants.
Thriving in USDA zones 3-9, White Milkweed prefers partial shade, often growing along woodland edges and in open forests. In garden settings, it flourishes in sandy or rocky, well-drained soil. Unlike many other milkweeds, it does not form large colonies, making it less critical for Monarch caterpillars, though they may occasionally use it. Due to habitat loss, this species is endangered in some areas, but it can be successfully cultivated from seed.
Poke Milkweed
Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is unique for its drooping flower clusters, which resemble the graceful branches of a weeping willow. Each cluster contains about ten flowers, typically white with a green or lavender tint. The plant’s dark green leaves have striking purplish veins, adding to its ornamental appeal.
This perennial grows in USDA zones 3-9 and prefers partial shade to full sunlight. It thrives in soil with moderate moisture and rich organic matter, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens. A host plant for Monarch caterpillars, it also supports other butterflies like Great Spangled Fritillaries, Tiger Swallowtails, and Pearl Crescents. Its nectar-rich blooms attract various bees and butterflies throughout the summer.
Green Comet Milkweed
Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) is an adaptable species named for its pale green flower clusters, which form in the leaf axils. Each cluster contains 20 to 80 small flowers, emitting a sweet fragrance that draws pollinators. The plant’s leaves vary in shape, with those in dry habitats being long and narrow, while those in moist areas are rounder.
Hardy in USDA zones 3-10, this milkweed grows in light to moderate shade and thrives in sandy, rocky, or well-drained soils. Its deep taproot makes it highly drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Unlike many milkweeds, it does not spread aggressively, making it suitable for smaller spaces. Though not a primary Monarch host, it still provides nectar for bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
Showy Milkweed
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) lives up to its name with its striking pink and white flower clusters, resembling crowns. The blooms are highly fragrant and serve as an important nectar source for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This species can grow up to 6 feet in ideal conditions, though it typically stays between 1.5 to 3 feet tall.
Growing in USDA zones 3-8, Showy Milkweed is well-suited to a variety of soils and is highly drought-tolerant. It spreads less aggressively than Common Milkweed, making it easier to manage in gardens. Monarch Butterflies rely on this plant for both nectar and as a host for their caterpillars, while other butterflies like Queens and Viceroys also frequent its blooms.
Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is what most people imagine when they hear “milkweed.” This widespread perennial is hardy and tall, with broad, oval-shaped leaves that release a sticky, milky sap when broken. The fragrant pink to purple flowers grow in rounded clusters and later develop into elongated seed pods, which split open in fall to release fluffy, wind-borne seeds.
Adapted to USDA hardiness zones 3-9, Common Milkweed thrives in full sun and tolerates various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It spreads through underground rhizomes and self-seeding, making it ideal for naturalized areas but sometimes invasive in gardens. This species is crucial for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars and supports over 450 native insect species.
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is easily recognized by its slender, needle-like leaves, often mistaken for grass. Its white or greenish flowers bloom in flat clusters from late spring to early fall, attracting a diverse array of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and beetles. Unlike other species, its thin, wiry stems help it blend seamlessly into prairies and meadows.
Thriving in USDA zones 3-10, Whorled Milkweed grows in dry, well-drained soils and tolerates partial shade. It’s one of the last milkweeds to die back in fall, making it an important late-season food source for Monarch caterpillars. However, it spreads aggressively through both seeds and underground rhizomes and is considered toxic to livestock.
Desert Milkweed
Desert Milkweed (Asclepias erosa) is well-adapted to arid environments, commonly found on dry slopes and sandy washes. It features thick, waxy stems that help retain moisture, with leaves that vary from smooth to densely hairy. This species produces globe-like clusters of pale yellow or white flowers from late spring to early summer, serving as an essential nectar source in desert ecosystems.
Growing in USDA zones 4-11, Desert Milkweed prefers full sun and well-drained, nutrient-poor soils. Its deep taproot allows it to survive extreme drought conditions, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Besides Monarch Butterflies, this species also supports Queen Butterflies and native moths, contributing to desert pollinator diversity.
Green Milkweed
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a low-growing species often found in prairies, roadsides, and open fields. Its flowers appear in small clusters, with white or yellow-green petals and a purple tinge at the center. The plant’s broad, deep green leaves contrast beautifully with its delicate blooms.
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, Green Milkweed prefers full sun and thrives in dry, rocky, or limestone-rich soils. Its deep taproot provides excellent drought resistance, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. While it is not a preferred host for Monarch caterpillars due to its early dieback in late summer, it still serves as an important nectar source for various pollinators.
Aquatic Milkweed
Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) thrives in consistently wet environments, making it a common sight in floodplains, marshes, swamps, and ditches. This species is easily recognizable by the large pink spot at the tip of its unopened white or light pink flowers, which bloom in umbels of about 25.
Hardy in USDA zones 6-11, Aquatic Milkweed requires full sunlight and continuously moist soil. It’s an excellent choice for planting near ponds or other water features. Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterfly caterpillars feed on its leaves, while bees and butterflies flock to its fragrant nectar-rich flowers.
Antelope Horns
Antelope Horns (Asclepias asperula), also known as Spider Flower, is a sprawling milkweed species with green stems tinged with maroon and covered in fine hairs. It is named after its distinctive curved seed pods, which resemble antelope horns. The plant’s narrow, folded leaves can grow up to eight inches long, and its whitish-green or purple flower clusters bloom from spring through fall.
Growing in USDA zones 5-9, Antelope Horns thrives in full sun and prefers sandy or rocky soil with little organic matter. It is drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot and requires minimal care. This milkweed attracts various pollinators, including large native bees, and serves as a host plant for Monarch, Soldier, and Queen butterfly caterpillars.
Narrowleaf Milkweed
Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), sometimes called Mexican Whorled Milkweed, has a more delicate appearance than other milkweed species. Its thin, spiky leaves spiral around the stem, and its flowers, which bloom in clusters of about 20, vary in color from greenish to pink, white, and purple.
Native to USDA zones 6-10, this drought-tolerant species thrives in dry plains, foothills, and valleys. It is an excellent low-maintenance garden plant that grows well from seed in full sun. Monarch and Queen butterfly caterpillars rely on Narrowleaf Milkweed as a host plant, while its nectar attracts bumblebees, wasps, and other pollinators.
Swamp Milkweed
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is well adapted to wet environments and is commonly found along creek banks, in ditches, and in marshy areas. It features clusters of small, light pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom throughout summer and into fall.
Thriving in USDA zones 3-6, this species prefers wet, mucky clay soils and requires full sun. It spreads through both seeds and underground rhizomes, making it a great option for planting around ponds or streams. Like other milkweeds, Swamp Milkweed attracts bees and butterflies, and Monarch caterpillars rely on it as a host plant.
California Milkweed
California Milkweed (Asclepias californica) is a distinctive, woolly perennial with grayish-green leaves and stems covered in fine white hairs. Its pendulous clusters of pink or lavender flowers bloom from late spring to summer, adding beauty to dry landscapes.
Native to USDA zones 7-10, this species is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, arid conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for chaparral, canyons, and foothills. Monarch and Queen butterflies use California Milkweed as a host plant, while its nectar attracts various bee and butterfly species.
Sandhill Milkweed
Sandhill Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata) has a unique growth habit, staying low to the ground with sprawling stems. Its name “humistrata” means low-growing, perfectly describing its tendency to grow flat or nearly flat along dry, sandy soils in open forests and sunny areas.
Thriving in USDA zones 6-11, this perennial produces clusters of about 30 cream, white, or light pink flowers from March to June. It prefers full sun and dry, well-drained sandy soil. Monarch and Queen Butterfly caterpillars rely on Sandhill Milkweed as a host plant, while native bees and pollinators are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.
Humboldt Mountain Milkweed
Also known as Phallid Milkweed, Jewel Milkweed, or Cow-Cabbage, Humboldt Mountain Milkweed (Asclepias cryptoceras) has an unusual appearance that sets it apart. This low-growing perennial features thick, heart-shaped leaves that resemble cabbage, with its vibrant flower clusters resembling desert jewels.
Found in USDA zones 4-8, this species thrives in full sun and dry, rocky soil. It blooms from April to June, producing flowers with rose-colored hoods and white or yellowish-green petals that curve downward. It typically grows on talus slopes, canyon bottoms, and sandy washes, adding a pop of color to arid landscapes.
Rush Milkweed
Rush Milkweed (Asclepias subulata), also called Desert Milkweed, is a unique species that appears leafless for most of the year. It has numerous upright, greenish-white stalks emerging from a single root crown. Instead of leaves, this milkweed photosynthesizes through its stems, allowing it to survive in harsh desert conditions.
Suitable for USDA zones 8-11, Rush Milkweed thrives in arid environments and can flower even without rainfall. It produces small clusters of creamy white or pale yellow flowers, each with distinct column-like structures tipped with tiny hooks. This milkweed is an essential food source for Monarch caterpillars and various desert pollinators.
Heart-leaf Milkweed
Heart-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias cordifolia) gets its name from its large, oppositely arranged, heart-shaped leaves, which are often bluish-green. Splitting the leaves or stem releases the characteristic milky sap of the milkweed family.
This species, which grows in USDA zones 5-9, is sometimes called Purple Milkweed due to its striking dark red or purple flower clusters. It thrives in dry, rocky areas, including deserts, chaparral, evergreen forests, and mountainous regions up to 6,560 feet. Historically, Native Americans harvested this plant for fiber to make rope and textiles.
Plains Milkweed
Plains Milkweed (Asclepias pumila) is a creeping perennial that typically stays under a foot tall. Its slender, linear leaves give it a rosemary-like appearance, making it stand out from other milkweed species.
This species, found in USDA zones 4-8, grows in dry, rocky, or sandy prairies and grasslands. From July to September, globe-shaped clusters of small pink-to-white flowers bloom at the tips of its stems. Besides being a host plant for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies, Plains Milkweed also provides nectar for various moths and butterflies, including Clarks Sphinx Moths, Milkweed Tussock Moths, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails.
Savannah Milkweed
Savannah Milkweed (Asclepias pedicellata) is one of the smallest milkweed species in the United States, growing only 0.5 to 1 foot tall. With its greenish-yellow flowers and slender growth, it easily blends in with surrounding vegetation, making it difficult to spot even for experienced naturalists.
Thriving in USDA zones 7-10, Savannah Milkweed prefers moist, well-drained sandy soils and grows in savannahs, prairies, and open pineland habitats. It blooms from late summer to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees, wasps, and butterflies. As a larval host for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies, it plays an essential role in the ecosystem.
Pineneedle Milkweed
Pineneedle Milkweed (Asclepias linaria) is a tall and striking species, growing up to 5 feet in height. It gets its name from its thin, soft, pine-needle-like leaves, which are alternately arranged along its stems. At the tips of its stems, you’ll find small clusters of creamy white or greenish-white flowers.
Native to USDA zones 8-11, this species is particularly beneficial to Monarch Butterflies, as its leaves contain high levels of cardenolides. These compounds help Monarchs resist the OE parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), which can weaken or kill infected butterflies. This milkweed thrives in dry, rocky, or desert-like habitats, often found in full sun and well-drained soils.
Woollypod Milkweed
Woollypod Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) is one of the most toxic milkweed species in the United States. While this might seem like a drawback, it’s actually beneficial for Monarchs and other adapted butterflies, which use the plant’s toxins to deter predators.
This upright perennial blooms from late spring to mid-fall in USDA zones 6-9. Its flowers, forming in large clusters near the top of the plant, are pink, white, or cream-colored. After blooming, it produces thick, woolly seed pods that split open upon maturity, releasing seeds that float away on silky pappuses. Woollypod Milkweed thrives in full to partial shade and well-drained soils, often found in open woodlands, rocky hillsides, deserts, and dry areas.
Zizotes Milkweed
Zizotes Milkweed (Asclepias oenotheroides), also called “hierba de zizotes,” is one of the least cold-hardy milkweed species in the United States. It requires a warm climate and grows in prairies, desert grasslands, and sandy or rocky soil environments.
Suited for USDA zones 7-9, this perennial features greenish-white flowers with long, slender hoods that resemble tiny champagne flutes. It blooms from March to September and thrives in full sun with dry soil. This drought-resistant species can even withstand occasional mowing, making it a great low-maintenance choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Monarch butterflies rely on it as a host plant.
Clasping Milkweed
Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) is named for its unique, thick, waxy leaves that wrap around its stem. These leaves help the plant retain moisture, making it highly drought-tolerant. It typically grows in prairies, open savannas, and dry meadows.
This perennial thrives in USDA zones 6-9, growing best in full sun with dry, sandy, or gravelly soil. Unlike many other milkweed species, it produces just one rounded cluster of about 25 large, fragrant flowers in pink, purple, or cream shades. Its habitat requirements make it a rarer find, but its beautiful flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including Monarch butterflies.
Four-leaved Milkweed
Four-leaved Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia), also known as Whorled Milkweed, stands out due to its leaves, which grow in whorls of four around the stem. Unlike most milkweeds, this species prefers shaded environments, growing in dry, rocky woodlands and slopes.
Found in USDA zones 4-8, this perennial blooms in May or June with one to three clusters of pale pink or white flowers that may be upright or drooping. The blooms give way to smooth, green seed pods. While it is not rare, it is less commonly seen than other milkweed species. Monarch caterpillars and other pollinators benefit from its nectar and leaves.
Tall Green Milkweed
Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella), also known as Prairie Milkweed, is a single-stemmed perennial that can grow up to three feet tall. Its greenish-white flower clusters resemble pom-poms and bloom along the length of the stem, often producing 30 to 100 tiny flowers per plant.
This hardy species thrives in USDA zones 4-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It is commonly found in prairies, rocky glades, roadsides, and abandoned fields. Like other milkweeds, it serves as a host plant for Monarch caterpillars while attracting various bees and butterflies with its nectar.
Prairie Milkweed
Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), also called Sullivant’s Milkweed or Smooth Milkweed, is a perennial species that grows from deep rhizomes. It features one to three dome-shaped clusters of pink or purplish flowers, making it visually striking.
Thriving in USDA zones 3-7, this species was once widespread in native tallgrass prairies, many of which were lost due to agricultural expansion. Today, Prairie Milkweed is found in meadows, prairies, and moist areas like river bottomlands, often along railroad tracks where remnants of native prairie still exist. It is a host plant for Monarch butterflies and attracts various pollinators.
Fewflower Milkweed
Fewflower Milkweed (Asclepias lanceolata) is a tall, slender perennial that reaches an impressive height of 3 to 5 feet. Despite its name, it produces stunning clusters of fiery orange flowers that stand out in its natural wetland habitat.
Found in USDA zones 7-10, this species thrives in swamps, wet pinelands, coastal prairies, ditches, and freshwater or brackish marshes. It prefers areas with seasonal flooding and full sun. Like other milkweeds, it serves as a critical food source for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterfly caterpillars, which feed on its toxic white sap.
Longleaf Milkweed
Longleaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia) is a slender, unbranched perennial known for its numerous long, narrow leaves. Unlike many other milkweed species, its dense foliage makes it stand out in meadows and wetlands.
This species thrives in USDA zones 6-10, typically blooming in spring but occasionally into summer or early fall. The small greenish flowers, tinged with white and purple, form clusters at the top of the plant’s stem. It is often found in bogs, moist flatwoods, and prairies. Sadly, Longleaf Milkweed has become rare or extinct in parts of its former range due to habitat destruction.
Broadleaf Milkweed
Broadleaf Milkweed (Asclepias latifolia) is named for its large, rounded, thick green leaves, which give it a cabbage-like appearance at first glance. The creamy, pale green, or yellowish flowers form in clusters along the stem, often partially hidden by the foliage.
Growing in USDA zones 4-9, this hardy perennial thrives in dry, sunny environments such as desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and roadsides. The plant’s thick leaves help it retain moisture, allowing it to survive in arid conditions. Its large, smooth seed pods mature from green to brown before splitting open to disperse seeds via the wind.
Oval-leaved Milkweed
Oval-leaved Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia) is a lesser-known species with a slender, unbranched stem that blends into surrounding vegetation. Its opposite, oval-shaped leaves are broader at the base and taper towards the tip.
Thriving in USDA zones 3-7, this species blooms from May to July, producing white flowers with subtle green or pinkish-purple hues that fade to yellow as they mature. It grows in dry prairies, savannas, and open pine woodlands. The narrow, spindle-shaped seed pods mature to brown and split open, releasing seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Horsetail Milkweed
Horsetail Milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata) is a delicate perennial known for its feathery appearance. Its narrow leaves form in whorls along the stem, giving it a wispy, almost grass-like look. From May to September, clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers bloom, ranging in color from white and greenish to soft purple.
Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, this species grows in sandy or rocky plains, mesas, and desert slopes across the United States. The seed pods are slender and upright, releasing brown seeds with silky fibers that drift on the wind. Traditionally, the Zuni people spun the fibers to make clothing. Like other milkweeds, it is a crucial host plant for butterfly larvae, particularly Monarchs.
