Tall North American native with fragrant pink-mauve flower clusters and milky sap. The keystone larval food plant of the monarch butterfly.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −40 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −34 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Sole larval food source for the monarch butterfly — also feeds queen and soldier butterflies
- Fragrant flowers are exceptional bee forage
- Contains toxic cardiac glycosides that monarch caterpillars sequester to make themselves unpalatable to predators
- Milky sap can irritate skin and eyes — wear gloves when cutting back
Pet caution: Common milkweed is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Common milkweed against your zones