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Showy Milkweed
Showy Milkweed botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa
In the United States: Native

Honeybees visit showy milkweed primarily for its abundant, sweet nectar, which is renewed throughout the day on each flower, supporting foraging during extended summer blooms. Peak visitation occurs in June and July when floral clusters are most profuse. The plant spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes, requiring occasional division to manage colonies, and its broad leaves provide some drought tolerance once established.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) May–September
Duration~30 days
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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