Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)

Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)

Asclepias exaltata is the scientific name given to the plant more commonly known as Poke Milkweed or Tall Milkweed.

Poke Milkweed is a shade loving species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, native to upper central and eastern North America.

Poke Milkweed blooms from late spring to early summer. The flowers are green and white.

Poke milkweed is found in moist woodland habitats, along shady shores andcriver banks as well as moist to dry woodland edges. It prefers to grow in moist soil and dappled part shade or shaded places. 

Growing from 2 to 5 tall, this plant is draped in wide oval leaves on thin stems which burst with bursting floweret clusters that range from green to cream or white. Best resembling natural fireworks suspended in air.

As with any Milkweed, Poke Milkweed is a host species for the Monarch Butterfly, as well as a food source for the Unexpected Cycnia Moth (Cycnia inopinatus) and its cousin the Delicate Cycnia (Cycnia tenera) also commonly known as the Dogbane Tiger Moth.

Rabbits will snack on this plants foliage while young and tender, but when mature it can be exceptionally long lived. New plantings will get stressed in its first year, and may not look appealing as it attempts to acclimate to its new environment, it may go into dormancy early, exhibiting yellow or dropping leaves, which may mean it is too dry, too much light, or immediate competition from established neighbors. The plant will eventually adapt, and show better progression in the following seasons.

This plant is considered present, native but rare in several counties of the states of Vermont, Rhode Island, and Alabama. It is also listed as present but introduced in the state of Missouri.

Plant Details

USDA Zones: 4-7

Germination Needs: 30 Days Cold Stratification

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Partial, Shade

Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry

Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet

Height: 5 feet

Bloom time: June, July

Bloom Color: White

Advantages :

Pollinator Favorite: butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, beetles

Bird Favorite: seeds, insects, fruit, nectar, nesting, perchs.

Deer Resistant: Yes

Native to: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

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Packet quantities:

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