Poke Milkweed – A Non-Aggressive Type Of Milkweed

Poke Milkweed is a perennial wildflower native to North America. Scientifically known as Asclepias exaltata^[1], it grows 3-6′ tall in part sun and medium to dry conditions^[2]. Blooming nodding clusters of white flowers for roughly four weeks in Spring/Summer, it attracts numerous pollinators and is a host for the Monarch Butterfly^[3].

Often existing as somewhat isolated populations along forest edges, or clearings/openings in forests, Poke Milkweed is a bit unique compared to it’s other milkweed cousins. This is a Milkweed that can do well in conditions that others struggle, as not too many like part shade or can handle a bit of drought. So, if you have a somewhat shady location, this can be a great plant to add that will be long lived and look good throughout the year.

Another feature that sets this species apart is that it won’t spread, unlike the much more prolific milkweeds such as Common Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, or Purple Milkweeds. Still though, this will support Monarchs just the same, and can provide added value as it will grow in places the others species typically do not. Thus, you can get more Milkweed coverage!

Now, although all references state that it likes dappled sun or part shade, I actually grow mine in what is technically full sun conditions. On the East side of my house I have several plants that receive sun from dawn until roughly 11 am, then it is shaded until late afternoon. It’s been thriving there for several years, and it does a good job looking nice as well as supporting insects.

Facts

• One of the taller species of Milkweed, it is possible to grow up to 6′ tall in optimum conditions
• The leaves are similar in shape to that of Pokeweed. And this similarity is what provided the common name of Poke Milkweed to this species.
• The leaves and sap are toxic and have a bitter taste. This helps make Poke Milkweed deer and rabbit resistant.
• Plants are often self-sterile, and need multiple plants to be able to set seed^[4][5].
• Poke Milkweed is known to hybridize with other members of the Asclepias genus^[6]

Native Range

Poke Milkweed has a rather odd native range. It forms a triangle starting in Canada/Minnesota, then runs Southeast to Northern Alabama and Georgia, and then back up to Main and New Brunswick.

Reference Table

Scientific Name	Asclepias exaltata
Common Name(s)	Poke Milkweed
Native Range, USDA Zone	Eastern North America, USDA hardiness zones 4-7
Bloom Time	June/July
Bloom Duration, Color	Four weeks, White
Height	2-6′ tall
Spacing / Spread	2-3′ spread
Light Requirements	Part-sun to shade
Soil Types	Loam with organic matter, well-drained.
Moisture	Slightly wet to slightly dry
Fauna Associations / Larval Hosts	Flowers attract bees, butterflies. Hosts Monarch Butterfly

What are the Benefits of Poke Milkweed

Wildlife

Like other Milkweeds, the flowers produce both pollen and nectar meaning it will attract a wide variety of bees and butterflies. And, many insects feed on the foliage, including Monarch caterpillars.

Beauty

The nodding umbels of flowers are quite attractive, with their white color. And the foliage also looks great throughout the year.

Early bloomer

In general, Poke Milkweed will bloom 2-4 weeks earlier than all other Milkweed species in the Eastern United States. So, you can provide those pollinator-attracting flowers much, much earlier for your enjoyment.

A Milkweed for the open forest

As stated several sections above, Monarch butterflies need Milkweed for their caterpillars to feed on and to continue the migration. Most milkweed species do not do well in the forest, and are more of a prairie or roadside ditch plant (see A. syrica, A. incarnata, A. tuberosa, A. specosia). But, Poke Milkweed will grow best in the dappled sunlight of a forest, or along the forest edge. So, because of this adaptation, Monarch butterflies will get more Milkweed plants than they otherwise would, had this species not existed.

Not aggressive

Poke Milkweed has a taproot, but does not produce the underground rhizomes like Common Milkweed or Showy Milkweed. So, if you plant it in a specific location, it will stay put!

==> Related – 8 types of Milkweed that won’t spread

Identification and Characteristics

Stalk

In optimum conditions this plant can grow up to 6′ tall, but is more often 3-4′ in height. It has a purple-green, round, and glabrous central stem^[2].

Leaf

Lanceolate or elliptic leaves occur opposite in pairs that are 3-8″ long by 3″ wide with smooth margins on stems that are 1-2″ long. They are a dark green above and a lighter shade underneath^[2][3].

Root

The root system of Poke Milkweed consists of a taproot.

Flower

Flowers occur in umbels that are several inches wide. Individual flowers are roughly 1/4″ diameter by 1/2″ long on red stems (pedicels) that are 1-2″ long, which gives it a rather loose inflorescence^[2][3] rather than a tight cluster of flowers that is more common among the Asclepias genus. The bodies of the flower are white in color with green petals that are swept back, giving it an appearance of soaring through the air.

Flowers that are successfully pollinated will form long slender seedpods that generally stand upright. Seed can be collected in later Summer or Fall when the pods just begin to open.

Sexual reproduction of Poke Milkweed

Fruit set on Poke Milkweed is typically quite low when compared to other species of Milkweed flowers. In fact my own Poke Milkweed plants have never set pods. And my experience is in no way unique. Historically it was believed that Poke Milkweed was not self-compatible and that at least two plants or flowers were required for fruit set. And this was not without reason, as experiments seemed to confirm it^[4]. However, it has been shown that in a given year, a small number or proportion of plants may be self-fertile. But, self-fertility was only 3-25%, and was not consistent year to year^[5].

But why am I telling you this? Because many times Native Plant gardeners want to further propagate their species to share with neighbors, friends, or local gardening associations. And being able to collect your own seed is a big benefit. Thus, based on what we’ve learned that Poke Milkweed often needs a second plant in order to set fruit, you should plan on growing several plants if you wish to have any seed produced.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Most references state that Poke Milkweed will grow best in dappled sunlight, along forest edges or in the open woods. Personally, I’m breaking those rules. I have my current plants in full sun, where they have been for several years. They are actually adjacent to my ‘nursery’ where I also grow my Green (or Spider) Milkweed.

Soil Requirements

For soil, some type of loam (clay-loam to sandy-loam) will work, as long as it drains.

Moisture Requirements

For moisture, Poke Milkweed is fairly versatile in that it will grow in somewhat drier conditions to somewhat moist, but it does not like wet feet and the soil should drain.

Maintenance

There really won’t be any maintenance for Poke Milkweed. It is generally disease free. Now, it may get attacked by various insects such as Monarch Caterpillars, Milkweed Bugs, or the fraggle-looking caterpillars….but that is kind of why we grow milkweed, isn’t it?

Fertilizer

You do not need to fertilize Poke Milkweed. It will grow fine without any special fertilizers. A handful of compost in the hole when planting can always be a benefit, but is not necessary.

How to Grow Poke Milkweed from Seed

Germinating Poke Milkweed isn’t any different from growing any other Milkweed from seed. It will need some cold stratification (30 days), and it is easiest to Winter Sow the seed. I strongly recommend Winter Sowing, as it is just the easiest way to plant any flower seeds. But you can stratify them in the refrigerator too, see our guide for doing that here.

To do so, simply prepare an appropriate size container with moist potting soil. Then, plant your seeds on the surface and barely cover with soil. I usually end up with half my seeds covered in a dusting and the other half just pressed firmly in to the surface.

Then, place your container in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, like the East side of your house or shed. Keep the soil moist, and germination should occur when temperatures warm up in Spring.

Caring for seedlings

Once you get 2-3 sets of true leaves, you can transplant your Poke Milkweed to their final location. If you winter sowed in a milk-jug or similar container, this would also be a good time to separate the seedlings or transplant using the hunk-o-seedlings method.

If the final location you want to plant your seedlings has lots of competition, like along the edge of the woods, you may want to wait to transplant to their final location until late summer or early fall.

Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases associated with Poke Milkweed

Pollinators

Poke Milkweed flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators. I mostly see bumblebees on mine, but also Monarchs and Great Spangle Fritillary butterflies^[7].

Like other Milkweeds, numerous beetles and larvae will also feed on the leaves. The most famous of these being the Monarch Caterpillar with their green/black/yellow stripes, but you can also see a variety of milkweed bugs/beetles.

Deer and Rabbits

Neither Deer nor Rabbits will browse Poke Milkweed much as the sap inside the leaves is toxic and bitter.

Disease

Poke Milkweed is generally disease free.

Where you can buy Poke Milkweed

Poke Milkweed is not typically sold in nurseries, as it isn’t a typical ‘garden friendly’ plant. But it can be purchased at specialty nurseries that deal in Native Plants. You can find native plant nurseries near you on our interactive map.

Where to buy seeds

We have ordered a variety of native flower seeds from Everwilde Farms, which you can order right from Amazon through our link on our RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS PAGE. (We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. This helps support our website.)

Uses of Poke Milkweed

Garden Uses

Poke Milkweed can be used in shade gardens or in formal flower beds. If you border a forest, try planting it along the edge where it can get some dappled sunlight or afternoon shade.

Companion Plants

For companion plants, Poke Milkweed will grow best with other part-sun loving plants such as Buttonbush, Viburnum, Bee Balms, Spicebush, all sorts of Asters, and Snakeroot.

Medicinal Uses

Two Native American tribes as well as old settler references state that the root could be eaten for stomach or bowl troubles, although no specific information is available^[8][9]. Considering Poke Milkweed is somewhat toxic, I would not recommend that you eat any part of it just to be cautious.

Final Summary

Poke Milkweed is a unique Milkweed species that does well in shadier locations but still will bloom nice, and attract numerous pollinators. Monarchs are supported by the foliage, bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar provided by the flowers. And, it’s deep tap-root mean that it can withstand drier conditions.

It’s not aggressive, and only spreads by seed. So, it won’t be popping up all over your yard or in other flower beds, This is a nice Milkweed that I wish more people would grow, as it can thrive in locations that are tougher to grow flowers.

Find more native plants here