White Poke Milkweed
Asclepias exaltata
Poke milkweed is the milkweed of the woods. the only native Asclepias that genuinely thrives in shade and forest edges rather than open sun. The nodding white and pale lavender flower clusters carry a noticeable fragrance on warm summer days and attract monarchs, swallowtails, and native bees even in dappled light. For gardeners with mostly shaded yards who want to support monarchs, this is the plant that makes it possible. The large, broad leaves and upright stems give it a bold presence in a shade border or woodland edge planting. It naturalizes slowly by seed in suitable conditions without becoming aggressive.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown white poke 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
- Part shade
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 2'–4'
- Bloom
- Fragrant white and lavender flower clusters in early summer; attractive large foliage through fall; long seed pods
- USDA zones
- 3–8
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside white poke milkweed.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.