Milkweed Common

Common Milkweed is a tall perennial native to Ontario with broad green leaves and large, rounded clusters of slightly fragrant pink to mauve flowers in summer. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the foliage is one of the preferred food sources for Monarch caterpillars. Later in the season, large seed pods split open to release silky seeds that add additional interest.

Common Milkweed grows best in full sun with average to dry, well-drained soil and is very adaptable once established. It spreads readily through underground rhizomes and seed, so it is best suited to larger gardens, naturalized areas, meadows, and pollinator plantings where its spreading habit is welcome.