Showy Milkweed lives up to its name with some of the largest and most intricate flowers in the genus. This robust perennial typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall (though it can reach up to 6 feet in ideal conditions) and is covered in soft, velvety hairs that give the entire plant a silvery-green appearance. In mid-summer, it produces stunning, spherical clusters of star-shaped flowers that are a soft pinkish-purple, with long, elegant petals that taper to a point. Native to the western and central United States, it is a tough and adaptable plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it often prefers moist areas like streambanks and ditches. It is a critical host plant for Monarch butterflies and a favorite nectar source for bees and butterflies of all kinds. Because it spreads via rhizomes, it can form impressive colonies over time, making it an excellent choice for larger landscapes, prairie restorations, or areas where you want to create a dense habitat for wildlife.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–4 ft
• Sun: Full
• Soil moisture: Medium to Dry
• Bloom time: Jun–Aug (Pink)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Aggressive, Rhizomatous
• Native range: Native to 22 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas

See the full growing guide and county range map for Showy Milkweed