Plant Profile

Poke Milkweed - (Asclepias exaltata) is an herbaceous perennial wildflower plant in the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, native to eastern Canada to north central and eastern United States. Growing in moist woodland habitats, forest edges or openings, and along waterways. The Genus honors the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius (Asklepios); the species name comes from the Latin term exaltata, meaning “lofty,” and refers to the plants being very tall. Meanwhile the leaves’ similarity to those of American Pokeweed is the source of the common name Poke Milkweed.

Asclepias exaltata grows 3-5 feet tall and will bloom from June through July. This species does not spread as aggressively as most of its cousins. And unlike most of its common relatives, Poke Milkweed is tolerant of more heavily shaded conditions. It requires moist, acid-to-neutral pH soil with high organic content in partial shade or dappled sunlight, but will still survive in full sun. Milkweed is an important food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. While its flowers are visited by many pollinators. The plant produces umbels of drooping flowers which give this species a unique look. 

This distinctive and underused milkweed is ideal for pollinator support in the shade. The tall, open structure of Poke Milkweed is a great complement to shade-loving natives with fine detailed foliage such as ferns and woodland sedges. It often grows best in naturalized plantings on woodland edges. But you may also consider including poke milkweed in butterfly, native, or pollinator gardens, as well as in borders.