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!
Milkweed plants belong to the Apocynaceae family, which includes other flowering plants such as oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose.
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Common names | Purple Milkweed, Milkweed |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Nevada |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Common names | Purple Milkweed, Milkweed |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Nevada |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
