Tall Green Milkweed

Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella)

 

Milkweed is the essential host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for many pollinators. All of our milkweeds are hardy perennials that return year after year once established.

 

plant profile

Tall Green Milkweed is a distinctive native perennial with an upright growth habit, narrow leaves, and rounded clusters of pale green to greenish white flowers. It naturally occurs in prairies, fields, roadsides, and other open habitats. Its slender foliage and understated green flowers give it a very different appearance from many other milkweed species.

 

Growing conditions

  • Size: 3 to 5 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well drained; adaptable to a range of soil types
  • Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
  • Bloom time: Summer
  • Lifecycle: Perennial

 

Planting instructions

  • Plant in spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.
  • Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the soil surface.
  • Space plants 18–24 inches apart.
  • Water thoroughly at planting and regularly while the plant becomes established. Reduce supplemental watering once established.
  • Choose a sunny location with well drained soil.

 

seasonal growth pattern

  • Year 1: Focuses on establishing its root system and top growth; flowering may be limited while the plant becomes established.
  • Year 2: Produces stronger growth and more reliable flowering.
  • Year 3: Returns reliably each spring with established upright growth and seasonal blooms.
  • Fall & Winter: Seed pods mature and split to release wind dispersed seeds. Above ground growth dies back for winter and returns in spring.

 

care

Tall Green Milkweed performs best in full sun and well drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and generally requires little supplemental watering. Avoid consistently wet or poorly drained locations.

 

notes

  • Tall, upright growth with narrow leaves gives it a distinctive appearance.
  • Produces rounded clusters of pale green to greenish white flowers.
  • Drought tolerant once established.
  • Well suited for sunny native gardens, meadows, and naturalized plantings.