# Milkweed in Maine

> 5 milkweed species are recorded in Maine.

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

## Overview

Maine sits at the northeastern edge of the monarch breeding range, where common milkweed colonizes old fields, blueberry barrens and roadsides. Coastal fog and a short season mean plants leaf out late but grow lush; swamp milkweed thrives along the state’s abundant wetland margins.

- Species recorded: 5
- USDA hardiness zones: 3b–6a
- Monarch flyway: eastern
- Best time to sow seed outdoors: late October to early December

## Species recorded in Maine

| 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 |
| Poke Milkweed | Asclepias exaltata | Yes | 3 ft–6 ft | June to July |
| Common Milkweed | Asclepias syriaca | Yes | 3 ft–6 ft | June to August |

## How to cite

Milkweed USA. (2026). Milkweed in Maine. https://milkweedusa.com/states/maine/