Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed

Deciduous perennial to 4 ft. Forms rhizomatous clumps of upright stems with fuzzy pale green leaves. Lovely clusters of fragrant light pink flowers in summer. Host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established, does best with moderate water. Tolerates clay, prefers faster draining soils. Tolerates alkaline soils. Hardy to -5º F.