Asclepias speciosa

Common name(s): showy milkweed

Description: perennial; a widespread species found all over Oregon and native to most of the Western U.S. Like most milkweeds, it is a host plant for monarch butterflies and will attract many other pollinators including dogbane tiger moths and queen butterflies. Relatively large purple-pink flower clusters in summer. 

Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: to attract pollinators, ornamental

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Distribution: West and Central Canada, NW, West, SW and South-Central U.S.