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Native Plant Society of Texas

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Other common name(s):

Family:

Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
Canadian/Cimarron High Plains, Rolling Sand Plains
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Semiarid Canadian Breaks

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1.5
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Dry, Gravelly, Loam, Moist, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Savanna

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Green, Pink, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Larval Host, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Butterflies, Caterpillars

Maintenance

Low maintenance and drought tolerant, once established. Develops a strong tap root, so best not to disturb or transplant. Does not tolerant shade, must be in open spaces. Grows in a variety of soils, but avoid rich, amended soils. Colonizes through roots. Not common in plant nurseries but seeds are available commercially. WARNING all parts toxic. Native habitat: ranges from sunny and dry to moist, in savannas, prairies, road-sides, old fields, and meadows.

Description

Blooms May-September. A stout, unbranched, pubescent plant. Forms large, oval, blue-green leaves. Inflorescence is a showy, spherical cluster of pink, star-shaped flowers that occur at the top of the stem and in leaf axils. It is distinct in having the largest flowers of any species of Asclepias in North America. Contains milky sap. This species is closely related to the Common milkweed, A. syriaca, with which it sometimes hybridizes at the eastern limits of its distribution. The fruit is a follicle (pod), covered with hairs. Larval host: Monarch Butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Asclepias giffordii

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Place the seeds in a bowl with lid in some water or a damp paper towel and place in the fridge for a few weeks or until sprouted. When sprouted place the sprouts flat on their sides into some damp soil. Cover with a very thin layer of soil. These plants should be planted directly into the ground. They don't transplant well due to long roots. https://calscape.org/Asclepias-speciosa-(Showy-Milkweed)
Seed No Treatment Seeds can be directly sown into the ground in the fall. The seed is very viable. Planting seed the first fall after collecting them maximizes success. Seedlings will usually bloom in their second year. Collect seeds after pods have ripened, but before they have split open. The seeds are wind dispersed, so be careful when gathering to place in a paper or burlap bag to avoid seed loss. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_assp.pdf
Tuber Cutting Timing of propagation is important. Harvest or divide plants and move them in October at the beginning of the rainy season. Place the plants in the ground by late fall so they can develop enough root growth to survive the winter. Irrigation the first year will improve survival, and by the second year the root system should be well enough established so plants will survive on their own. Cuttings usually bloom the second year, but will occasionally bloom during their first year. The cuttings should be made when the plant is dormant. Each piece of the tuberous rhizome should have at least one bud (they are about two inches apart). https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_assp.pdf

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason