Poke Milkweed Asclepias exaltata

Landscape Focus

A unique shade-tolerant milkweed with elegant, firework-like clusters of fragrant white to pinkish flowers, reaching five feet or more and making a striking addition to woodland gardens.

Plant Details

Soil Type: Loam, Sand

Soil Moisture: Medium

Sun Exposure: Part Sun, Shade

Height: 3' - 5'

Spacing: 1'-2'

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: June, July

Root Type: Taproot

Benefits: Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant, and Deer Resistant

Plant Description Poke Milkweed is the only shade-tolerant milkweed, making it an invaluable host plant for butterflies in woodland gardens where sun-loving milkweeds cannot thrive. Reaching five feet or more, its elegant drooping clusters of fragrant white to pinkish flowers resemble fireworks and pair beautifully with ferns and woodland sedges. Plant it in partial to full shade with moist, organically rich soil and leave stems standing through winter for habitat value.