Earliest spring blooming milkweed with large yellow and green flowers and purple centers. High value butterfly nectar source. Host plant for monarch caterpillar. Part of our Monarch Cafe plant tag series.
Photo: Mervin Wallace.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Spider Milkweed
Asclepias viridis
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Green, Purple
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
18 to
24
inches
Spread:
24 to
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
inches
Spread: 24 to
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
inches
Spread: 24 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Naturalized prairie plantings, native gardens, wildflower meadows.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers dry soil and full sun.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.