Poke Milkweed
Asclepias exaltata
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
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Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Asclepias
- Species:
- Asclepias exaltata
- USDA Symbol:
- ASEX
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, greenish-white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis) Moths:Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle) Butterflies:⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, monarch caterpillars
- Fragrant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days; sow in spring.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)