# Milkweed in Louisiana

> 19 milkweed species are recorded in Louisiana.

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

## Overview

Louisiana’s bottomland hardwood forests and cypress swamps support aquatic milkweed, one of the few species that grows in standing water and shade. The state is also a first landfall for monarchs crossing the Gulf, making fall nectar supply critical.

- Species recorded: 19
- USDA hardiness zones: 8a–10a
- Monarch flyway: eastern
- Best time to sow seed outdoors: November to January

## Species recorded in Louisiana

| 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 |
| Purple Milkweed | Asclepias purpurascens | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | May 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 |
| Pinewoods Milkweed | Asclepias humistrata | Yes | 8 in–2 ft | March to June |
| 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 |
| White Milkweed | Asclepias variegata | Yes | 1.5 ft–3.5 ft | May to July |
| Fewflower Milkweed | Asclepias lanceolata | Yes | 2 ft–5 ft | May to August |
| 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 |
| Balloon Plant | Gomphocarpus physocarpus | No | 3 ft–6 ft | May to October |
| Tropical Milkweed | Asclepias curassavica | No | 2 ft–4 ft | nearly year-round in frost-free areas |
| Slimleaf Milkweed | Asclepias stenophylla | Yes | 1.5 ft–3.3 ft | June to August |
| Pineland Milkweed | Asclepias obovata | Yes | 1 ft–2.5 ft | June to August |
| Tall Green Milkweed | Asclepias hirtella | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | June to August |
| Longleaf Milkweed | Asclepias longifolia | Yes | 1 ft–2.5 ft | April to July |

## How to cite

Milkweed USA. (2026). Milkweed in Louisiana. https://milkweedusa.com/states/louisiana/