woodland wildflower
Sandhill milkweed
Asclepias humistrata
Also known as Pinewoods Milkweed
Native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina
Southeastern Louisiana to Florida, north to North Carolina
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–May Flowering time
- Height up to 18 in to 46 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for full sun and lean, dry soil. Its white and pink flowers peak in April. At up to 18 in, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Sandhill milkweed's white and pink flowers bloom March to May, peaking in April. This spring display draws butterflies and bees.
Sandhill milkweed blooms white & pinkFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Butterflies Monarch
also Northern Cloudywing, Palamedes Swallowtail, Whirlabout +2 more
Seminole skipper, Two-spotted Skipper - Bees Brown-belted Bumble Bee also Anthophora walshii, Abrupt Digger Bee
- Beetles Notch-tipped Flower Longhorn Beetle
- Also visited by
- Moths: Unexpected Cycnia Moth
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Monarch butterflyhost & nectar
- Queencaterpillar host
- Palamedes swallowtailnectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South CarolinaUnited States (7): AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Southeastern Louisiana to Florida, north to North CarolinaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Dry, sandy soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 18 in (to 46 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–MayWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- White, PinkThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- Follicle (seed pod); ripens Apr–JunThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.