Asclepias longifolia, commonly known as Longleaf Milkweed, is a perennial herb that is native to pine flatwoods, wet savannas, and other moist, open habitats in the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas to Delaware. It is rare in the northern parts of its range and is considered to be extirpated in Delaware. Longleaf Milkweed typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and features narrow, elongated leaves and clusters of small, fragrant, white to pinkish flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, especially the Monarch butterfly, to which it serves as a crucial host plant for its caterpillars.

In cultivation, Longleaf Milkweed is valued for its role in supporting wildlife and is often used in native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, and restoration projects. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist to wet soils with good drainage. While it is not commonly found in the nursery trade, it can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Gardeners should be aware that milkweeds can be toxic if ingested and may spread readily by seed. Despite its rarity in the wild, Longleaf Milkweed is relatively low maintenance and can be a beneficial addition to gardens designed to attract and sustain butterflies and other pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0