Clasping Milkweed
Asclepias amplexicaulis
A monarch host for dry, sandy sites, with nodding pink-rose clusters and a gentle fragrance. A genuine find for pollinator gardeners.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
A monarch host plant for the dry, sandy spots where most milkweeds won't grow. an important piece of the pollinator habitat puzzle for difficult sites.
Clasping milkweed is one of the more distinctive-looking milkweeds, with broad leaves that wrap around the stem at the base, the 'clasping' habit that gives it its name, and nodding spherical flower clusters in pink-rose tones with a gentle fragrance. It grows on dry, sandy, open soils and roadsides, which means it's one of the best milkweed choices for well-drained, difficult sites where butterfly weed might also thrive. Like all milkweeds, it's an essential monarch butterfly host plant: caterpillars feed on the leaves, and adults nectar on the flowers. The species is less common in cultivation than butterfly weed or common milkweed, which makes it a genuine find for dedicated pollinator gardeners.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown clasping milkweed propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- Midsummer
- Bloom color
- Pink
- USDA zones
- 3–9
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native range
- Eastern and Central United States
Care notes for clasping milkweed.
Full sun in dry, sandy, well-drained soil. Absolutely requires good drainage. will rot in wet or clay conditions. Deep taproot means transplanting is difficult; plant in permanent location. Slow to emerge in spring; mark the location to avoid disturbing it. Completely drought-tolerant once established.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside clasping milkweed.
Or skip the guesswork.
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