Purple Milkweed

Asclepias purpurascens

Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is a seasonal interest plant with purple flowers in early summer. They prefer mesic soil in part sun, tolerating light shade or sun, where they grow up to 3 feet tall. They are a good choice for shaded slopes. Purple Milkweed is also a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Companion plants include Lady Fern (Athyrium felix-femina) and White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata).

Maintenance

No serious maintenance needs. Host plant of the Monarch Butterfly.

About

Light Requirements
Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Moisture Requirements
Slopes
Soil Requirements
Clay, Loam
Height
Short
Spacing
2 feet
Category
Seasonal
Attracts
Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native, Indiana Native
Bloom Time
May, June
Bloom Color
Purple
Seasonality
Spring, Summer
Sociability
Groups of 5-10