Spider Milkweed

Asclepias viridis

$29.99

$34.99

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$10.00/plant

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$9.17/plant

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About this Plant

Spider Milkweed, also called Green Antelopehorns, is one of the earliest-blooming native milkweeds, offering rounded clusters of creamy green flowers with deep purple centers in spring to early summer. Its intricate blooms are subtler than Butterfly Weed or Swamp Milkweed, but they reward close inspection and attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, and other beneficial insects.

Native to sunny prairies, open woodlands, and rocky glades, Spider Milkweed grows 1 to at most 2 feet tall and develops a deep taproot that helps it tolerate drought, poor soils, and harsh conditions once established. Like all native milkweeds, it is an essential host plant for monarch caterpillars, while its upright seed pods add late-season interest and help the plant reseed naturally over time.

Why Choose Spider Milkweed?

Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
One of the earliest native milkweeds to bloom
Unique green-and-purple flowers attract diverse pollinators
Compact size fits smaller sunny gardens and prairie plantings
Drought-tolerant once established thanks to its deep taproot

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, and avoid moving once established because of its taproot. Leave seed pods to mature if you want natural reseeding, or remove them to limit spread.

Maintenance Tips

Water: Water regularly during establishment; highly drought-tolerant once mature.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and thrives in sandy, rocky, or clay soils with good drainage.
Light: Full sun produces the strongest plants and heaviest flowering.
Transplanting: Plant where it will remain permanently, as the deep taproot makes mature plants difficult to move.
Seed Pods: Leave pods in place if you'd like the plant to self-seed naturally, or remove them before they split to limit spread.
Pests: Oleander aphids may occasionally appear but rarely cause lasting harm; they can often be managed with a strong spray of water.
Wildlife Note: An indispensable host plant for Monarch butterflies and a valuable nectar source for a wide variety of native pollinators.

Details

Soil Types

Soil Moisture

Sun Exposure

Hardiness Zone

USDA 4–9

Plant Type

Flower

Mature Height

Mature Width

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Time

Root Type

Taproot

Spider Milkweed

$29.99$34.99

Ecological Benefits

Deer Resistant

Less likely to be browsed by deer.

Attracts Pollinators

Provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.

Butterfly Host

Supports butterfly caterpillars as a host plant.

Attracts Butterflies

A nectar source that draws butterflies throughout the season.

Drought Tolerant

Thrives with minimal watering once established.

Monarch Host

Provides essential host plants for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

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