Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed)

Resembling Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed), Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) is a rhizomatous perennial prized for its domed clusters of rich rose-pink, starry flowers, which bloom from late spring to midsummer. Flowers are a great nectar source for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects. The blooms occur in the upper leaf axils of upright stems clad with thick, oval, dark green leaves adorned with pointed tips. They give way to smooth seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. Attractive and robust, Purple Milkweed tends to spread less aggressively than other milkweed species. A great choice for butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, 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 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm). Will spread rapidly by rhizomes to form large colonies. May self-seed if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open.
• Thrives in full sun in dry to medium well-drained soils. Does well in poor, dry soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas.
• Propagate by division or root cuttings in early spring or fall. Plants propagated from seed will take 2-3 years to produce flowers.
• All parts are poisonous and toxic if ingested in large quantities.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to eastern North America