Asclepias exaltata
As the name implies, Asclepias exaltata is in the milkweed family and resembles the common milkweed. Poke Milkweed (not to be confused with pokeweed) grows well in dappled shade/full shade and moist soil conditions.
It has large, sturdy, structural green foliage and very delicate flowers that have a delicious scent. Longer lasting than the other milkweed, this specimen would make a fine addition to a shaded pollinator garden.
Prairie Moon mentions that it does tend to hybridize with common milkweed if they are in the same area. As with the other milkweeds, Asclepias exaltata is an incredibly ecologically important plant, supporting native bees along with a plethora of other species.
This one is a bunny favorite, so plant a bunch and let the buns snack on this and hopefully they will leave your other precious plants alone. (Wishful thinking?)
Source: grown from seed originally from Minnesota. Prairie Moon Nursery.
Asclepias exaltata (Poke milkweed)
details
SIZE AND POT INFORMATION: More details coming in May
type: herbaceous perennial sun needs: part shade to shade water needs: average to dry soil height: 5' plant spacing: 2' distance bloom time: June, July bloom color: white good plant companions
Wild geranium, sweet Joe-Pye weed, large leaf wood aster, wreath goldenrod
special notes
moderate salt tolerance. Some salt exposure should not be fatal to the plant but some leaf burning may still occur. deer resistant (please note that does not mean deer proof)