Its pinkish-purple flowers have longer, tapered petals that are covered with fine hairs. Showy milkweed may be better suited in garden settings because it spreads less aggressively than Common Milkweed. It can be found in prairies, savannas, and other open spaces. It does not tolerate shade but can handle most soil types. The showy milkweed is an excellent nectar source and is food for the larval stages of Monarch and Queen butterflies. The flowers attract many butterflies and hummingbirds.