Asclepias speciosa – Showy Milkweed

The Western equivalent to Common Milkweed (A. syriaca), so prevalent throughout Eastem states, this species is the commonest milkweed along roadsides an in old fields throughout many Western states. It does extend its range eastward in a few places, in particular Minnesota, along with a few outlying populations in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. differs from Common Milkweed in being more of a clumper than an aggressive spreader. And the flowers of Showy Milkweed are a bit more, well, showy, appearing like a cluster of small crowns.