Asclepias syriaca

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Common Name: Common Milkweed 

Full to part sun; moderately wet to dry moisture level; tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay but prefers a sandy loam; moderately acid to neutral pH.     3-6 ft. height, blooms in summer, purple flowers, spreads rapidly by rhizomes and self-seeds.

Germination Code: C(30)

Native Region: Middle and East Tennessee plus Shelby County in the Coastal Plain Province

Plant can be somewhat weedy and invasive, but it is a favorite of Monarch butterflies.  Quite drought tolerant once established.  Flowers are especially fragrant and attract a wide range of insects including butterflies, moths, long tongued bees, skippers, wasps and more.  It is one of the preferred food sources for Monarch caterpillars.