Showy milkweed & elevation - Ask Extension
I live up in the 8500' elevation range and trying to turn our yard into a pollinators paradise. I would love go grow some milkweed along with my butte...
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Showy milkweed & elevation #873785
Asked June 19, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
I live up in the 8500' elevation range and trying to turn our yard into a pollinators paradise. I would love go grow some milkweed along with my butterfly bushes and native wildflowers but was unsure if milkweed grows up at this elevation as I have not seen any around, only down in the Denver area. Thank you!
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Karen -
Thank you for your inquiry and patience waiting for an answer.
While Asclepias speciosa is more common in lower elevations, there's no reason it won't grow at your altitude - it is known to be found across Colorado. Showy Milkweed spreads by underground runners called rhizomes, so pick a sunny spot (at least 6 hours) where it can spread out over time. You can try planting it from seed, but may have better luck with live plant starts.
Here is a nice fact sheet from the Xerces Society:
https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/19-004_002_Native%20Milkweed%20in%20California_Planting%20and%20Establishment.pdf
Good luck!
Jeffco Volunteer Diagnostician Annette
Thank you for your inquiry and patience waiting for an answer.
While Asclepias speciosa is more common in lower elevations, there's no reason it won't grow at your altitude - it is known to be found across Colorado. Showy Milkweed spreads by underground runners called rhizomes, so pick a sunny spot (at least 6 hours) where it can spread out over time. You can try planting it from seed, but may have better luck with live plant starts.
Here is a nice fact sheet from the Xerces Society:
https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/19-004_002_Native%20Milkweed%20in%20California_Planting%20and%20Establishment.pdf
Good luck!
Jeffco Volunteer Diagnostician Annette
