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How big does milkweed get?

How big does milkweed get?

It is tolerant of light shade, but generally is a full sun species. This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide.

What is the difference between common milkweed and showy milkweed?

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is similar in form to Common Milkweed but less aggressive, making it more manageable in a garden setting. About 3 feet high, it features large oval leaves, and spikey pink flower clusters atop thick stems.

How tall does showy milkweed get?

1½ to 5 ft tall
Showy milkweed is a native herbaceous perennial from widespread rhizomes, which produce stems that grow to 1½ to 5 ft tall in summer. The gray- green leaves are opposite, 4 to 7 inches long, oval, and covered in velvety hairs.

How long does showy milkweed take to grow?

Showy milkweed seeds need 30 days of cold stratification to improve germination, Sow the seeds about 1/8 – 1/4 inch deep. Germination can occur as quickly as one week but may take longer.

Is showy milkweed invasive?

Weedy or Invasive: Showy milkweed may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed (Whitson 1996).

Do monarchs like showy milkweed?

Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. As such, milkweed is critical for the survival of monarchs. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle and their populations decline.

Which milkweed do monarchs prefer?

Female monarchs will lay eggs on all nine milkweed species, but they prefer some over others. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) averaged the highest number of eggs.

How much does showy milkweed spread?

Leaves of first year plants are much narrower, about 0.5 inches wide, causing the plant to often be mistaken for other narrow-leaved species of milkweed. Distribution: For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Is showy milkweed aggressive?

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): Far less aggressive than common milkweed, showy milkweed is an excellent alternative. Hardy in zones 3-9 and reaching about 4 to 5 feet tall, the flower clusters of showy milkweed look like groups of pointed stars.

Does showy milkweed need full sun?

5 days ago
Showy milkweed blooms best if given full sun.

Do you cut back showy milkweed?

It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. Cutting back the milkweed will also help to eliminate OE spores that may be present on the plant.

What are the dimensions of the showy milkweed?

You have entered an invalid zip code, please check your zip code and try again. 12-36″ tall x 12-24″ wide. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is native to drier regions of the west and serves as a major food source for monarch caterpillars in the western United States.

Is showy milkweed a good plant?

Showy Milkweed is an ideal selection for naturalizing in meadows and along slopes. These low-maintenance plants perform well on dry sites are drought tolerant once established. Showy Milkweed produces a deep taproot making plants difficult to transplant. Plants can spread by rhizome but are much less aggressive than common milkweed.

Is Asclepias speciosa a milkweed?

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is native to drier regions of the west and serves as a major food source for monarch caterpillars in the western United States. Sturdy stems hold fragrant flower heads upright and soft gray-green foliage adds bold texture to the borders and butterfly gardens.

Where do you find milkweed in California?

Showy milkweed is native to much of the western half of North America. In California it is found in the Sierras and Coast Ranges, from Tulare County to Modoc and Siskiyou Counties. This flowering plant is a hairy, erect perennial that grows to about 4 feet tall.