few-flowered milkweed

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-5 ft. tall
.5-1 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Stored seed requires cold moist stratification for 30-90 days to germinate.

Plant Planting Notes

Plant in an area that does not dry out frequently.

Plants/Diseases

No significant pest or disease issues. Aphids can be an issue at high quantities.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Thin lanceolate leaves are arranged opposite along the stem and have entire margins.

Flowers

Red and orange radially symmetrical flowers with five petals.

Fruit

Thin spindle shaped follicle that contains flat, round brown seeds that are wind dispersed.

Toxicity

Mild toxicity and should not be consumed.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist, Aquatic Plant

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Swamps, fresh to slightly brackish marshes, wet pine savannas, and roadside ditches.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the coastal plain. Absent from the piedmont and mountains.