Milkweed with narrow lance-like leaves and purple-accented greenish summer flowers produced somewhat prolifically, arrayed on round umbels that evoke fireworks. Flowers are followed by pointed pods that seeds with silky hairs and can be used in dried flower arrangements. Host plant for larvae of the monarch butterfly and nectar plant for many pollinators especially bees.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Tall Green Milkweed
Asclepias hirtella
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
24 to
36
inches
Spread:
12 to
20
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
20
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
20
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Butterfly and pollinator gardens, as well as meadow or prairie plantings.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers dry soils, tolerates moist soils and drought. Collect seed pods before dispersal to discourage any spread if desired.
Special Features
Ornamental Fruits / Seed Pods / Seed Heads
Special Usage
Dried Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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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.