Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apocynaceae

Genus:

Asclepias

Species:

Asclepias exaltata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

6-8 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may, jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

White, Pink, Green

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario, Quebec

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage preferred

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers forested or shaded areas