# Milkweed in Ohio

> 12 milkweed species are recorded in Ohio.

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

## Overview

Ohio’s old fields and reclaimed strip mines carry heavy common milkweed, while the Oak Openings region near Toledo holds unusual sand-prairie species. Lake Erie’s southern shore is a nationally important fall monarch staging area.

- Species recorded: 12
- USDA hardiness zones: 5b–6b
- Monarch flyway: eastern
- Best time to sow seed outdoors: late October to early December

## Species recorded in Ohio

| 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 |
| 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 |
| Tall Green Milkweed | Asclepias hirtella | Yes | 2 ft–4 ft | June to August |

## How to cite

Milkweed USA. (2026). Milkweed in Ohio. https://milkweedusa.com/states/ohio/