# Milkweed in Kentucky

> 15 milkweed species are recorded in Kentucky.

Source: https://milkweedusa.com/states/kentucky/  
Licence: CC BY 4.0 (Milkweed USA)

## Overview

Kentucky’s Bluegrass pastures, Pennyroyal barrens and Appalachian woodland edges support common, butterfly, purple and white milkweed. The state’s remnant limestone glades are the best place to find green comet and clasping milkweed.

- Species recorded: 15
- USDA hardiness zones: 6a–7a
- Monarch flyway: eastern
- Best time to sow seed outdoors: November to January

## Species recorded in Kentucky

| Common name | Scientific name | Native | Height | Bloom |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Swamp Milkweed | Asclepias incarnata | Yes | 3 ft–5 ft | June to September |
| Butterfly Weed | Asclepias tuberosa | Yes | 1 ft–3 ft | May to September |
| Prairie Milkweed | Asclepias sullivantii | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | June to July |
| Purple Milkweed | Asclepias purpurascens | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | May to July |
| Poke Milkweed | Asclepias exaltata | Yes | 3 ft–6 ft | June to July |
| Green Antelopehorn | Asclepias viridis | Yes | 1 ft–2.5 ft | April to July |
| Aquatic Milkweed | Asclepias perennis | Yes | 1 ft–3 ft | May to September |
| Common Milkweed | Asclepias syriaca | Yes | 3 ft–6 ft | June to August |
| Whorled Milkweed | Asclepias verticillata | Yes | 1 ft–2.5 ft | June to September |
| Clasping Milkweed | Asclepias amplexicaulis | Yes | 1.5 ft–3 ft | May to July |
| Fourleaf Milkweed | Asclepias quadrifolia | Yes | 1 ft–2 ft | May to June |
| White Milkweed | Asclepias variegata | Yes | 1.5 ft–3.5 ft | May to July |
| Green Comet Milkweed | Asclepias viridiflora | Yes | 1 ft–3 ft | May to August |
| Red Milkweed | Asclepias rubra | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | June to July |
| Tall Green Milkweed | Asclepias hirtella | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | June to August |

## How to cite

Milkweed USA. (2026). Milkweed in Kentucky. https://milkweedusa.com/states/kentucky/