What's eating my showy milkweed?

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a robust western native and important monarch host. Oleander aphids reliably colonize its thick stems each summer. Large milkweed bugs and milkweed beetles are also common. Deer generally avoid it due to toxic alkaloids. Aphid colonies attract beneficial predators — a brief wait often brings natural balance.

Heavy yellow infestations on stems and flower umbels; honeydew coats lower leaves; sooty mold follows Knock off with water hose; insecticidal soap spray is low-risk to pollinators when applied in early morning or evening

Dramatic rapid defoliation of large leaves; frass pellets beneath the plant; plants can regrow after larval feeding No control — intentional. Showy milkweed's large leaf area makes it one of the best caterpillar-support milkweeds available

Bright red-and-black adults and nymphs feed on pods and seeds; seed capsules open prematurely Hand-pick and drop in soapy water; not typically damaging enough to kill the plant; no chemical treatment needed

Adults chew leaf midribs and girdle stems; larvae feed inside roots over winter; weakens but rarely kills plants Hand-remove adults in summer; tolerate low populations as part of the native milkweed ecosystem