The first time I saw a picture of Green Milkweed, I thought it had to be fake! This milkweed has an otherworldly beauty that makes it a stunning and unique addition to a native plant garden. It’s relatively small, only growing about 2 feet tall, and it’s not an aggressive spreader, making it great for smaller yards. It’s extremely drought tolerant thanks to its deep taproot and blooms early in the summer (sometimes even in May), helping out early-migrating Monarchs.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full Sun

Water requirements: Low

Soil requirements: Low-Medium

Bloom time: June-July

Bloom color: Green, Purple

Height: 1-2 feet

Width: 1.5-2 feet

USDA Zone: 4-9

Larval host: Monarch butterfly

Other notes: Green Milkweed will tolerate part shade, but does best in full sun. It is not an aggressive spreader, but it will spread by both seed and rhizome. Green Milkweed has a taproot so it is very drought tolerant but also difficult to transplant. There are some reports of it being rare in the wild so be sure to source seeds and plants from a trustworthy seller.

Do you have Green Milkweed growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!