Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed)

Heartleaf Milkweed, Heart Leaf Milkweed, Purple Milkweed, Gomphocarpus cordifolius


Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed) is a perennial wildflower prized for its spreading umbels of dark pink to dark purple flowers produced from late spring to mid-summer. Borne on individual pedicels, the flowers weep downward, resembling small fireworks. They attract pollinators and their nectar supports beneficial insects that are natural predators of many crop pests. They are followed by beautiful elongated seed pods. The large opposite leaves are heart-shaped and their waxy coating gives them a frosted appearance. Monarch butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves, which contain alkaloids that cause the butterfly to be unpalatable to predators. During the fall, each seed pod splits open to release many flat seeds with silky hairs. Native to the western United States, Heartleaf Milkweed grows in dry, rocky areas in woodlands, chaparral, and evergreen forest. Heartleaf Milkweed blooms in its second year. It is a great choice for the butterfly garden and for natural settings.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!

  • Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Grows well in rocky soil.
  • Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Perfect for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas.
  • Propagated by seed (no treatment).
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to California, Nevada, and Oregon.

Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success

By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Joe Decruyenaere, Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA, Tom Hilton, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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