Botany Butterfly Farming Gardening Horticulture Milkweeds (Asclepias) Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Wisconsin Milkweed Species

Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)

Some local gardeners jokingly say that Short Green Milkweed might come from the same pastures as Wisconsin’s mythical “short cows.” Prefers dry, rocky soils.

The gorgeous and understated Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora).
Wisconsin botanist with mythical Short Cow.

Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella)

Tall Green Milkweed lives up to its name, with stems reaching up to three feet high, whereas Short Green Milkweed tends to be more modest in height. Despite their differences in stature, both varieties play a valuable role in supporting Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Whether you’re drawn to the towering elegance of Tall Green or the understated charm of Short Green, these milkweeds are anything but ordinary weeds and make delightful additions to native gardens.

Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella)

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