White-Flowered Milkweed Asclepias variegata

White milkweed is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Apocynaceae family.  The species name describes the bicolored flowers, which are quite showy in masses. The white milkweed thrives in open upland forests and woodland edge habitats, sandy open ground, ravine bottoms, low woods, slopes, ridges, and roadsides.

Plant in full sun to light shade in dry clay, loam, or rocky soil.  

This low-maintenance plant reaches a mature size of 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. The most rapid growth and development of this plant occurs during the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin and pale underside. Small, white flowers dotted with purple in the center form a large, round, showy cluster that blooms in May-July. One or two large wart-like pods with fluffy wind-dispersed seeds mature in the late summer. It does best in dry or rocky woods. This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.

Consider planting in masses to showcase the flowers that attract butterflies including monarchs and other pollinators like bees. This native is at home in a woodland garden, meadow, or naturalized area.

Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant disease problems. Most common milkweed pests (aphids, milkweed beetles, Monarch larvae, and milkweed tussock moth larvae) are not problematic, but both large and small milkweed bugs can be very damaging to seed pods.