Sweetly-scented spherical clusters of purplish burgundy flowers bloom in early summer. Grows naturally in open woodlands and between roadsides and woodlands. Similar to common milkweed in flower and leaf shape, but more compact and colorful. Not a spreader.Butterfly relationship: Monarch larvae feed on foliage. Adult butterflies and other insects are attracted to nectar.Part of our Monarch Cafe plant tag series.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Purple Milkweed
Asclepias purpurascens
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Purple
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
30 to
48
inches
Spread:
18 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use in sunny habitat gardens for butterflies and bees, or naturalize in prairie and savanna plantings.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Use in dry to average soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.