18–30" tall.
This brilliant summer wildflower features vivid tangerine-orange clusters of flowers atop slender fuzzy stems, covered with green lance-shaped leaves. Spent flowerheads transform into prominent spindle-shaped seed pods that make a unique addition to mixed bouquets.
Like others in the Asclepias genus, this milkweed is a larval host plant to the monarch butterfly. It also serves as a host plant for species of sulphur and crescent butterflies and a a wide array of native insects.
Plant in full sun, 18–24" apart in well-drained fertile soil. The fleshy taproot will not tolerate clay or low ground. The very last to emerge in spring, and slow to establish in their first year—be patient. Native to eastern and southern North America. Attractive to pollinators. Zone 4.