Similar in appearance to Common Milkweed, the flowers are a rich red-purple and typically bloom in late spring and early summer. Grows naturally in open woodlands and between roadsides and woodlands. • Native to central and south-central United States. Unlike other milkweed species, the leaves don’t contain a milky sap. Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) is extremely easy to grow and grows in any sunny spot in the garden. • Height 1-2 feet. Not a spreader.Butterfly relationship: … Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a critical plant for Monarchs but has a spreading root system so it needs plenty of space. • Dry to rocky well-drained soil. • Grows best in consistently moist soil. • Drought tolerant. • Height 1-2 feet. Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), also known as Mexican Whorled Milkweed, blooms in clusters of lavender, pale pink, purple, white, to greenish shades of flowers. Brown. Give them a try and who knows — you may really like them and try them again and again. The horns are down curved and purplish white. Britton, N.L., and A. Native to most of the eastern US and eastern Canada. Please note, this species is rhizomatous and will spread. There are different varieties of this milkweed including ‘Cinderella’ Swamp Milkweed (pink blooms) ‘Ice Ballet’ Swamp Milkweed (white blooms.). Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), also known as Green Milkweed, and Green Antelopehorn Milkweed, is one of the earliest spring blooming milkweeds with large yellow and green flowers and purple centers. Occurring widely in the northeast in thickets, open woods, and fields, Purple Milkweed is similar to common Milkweed except that it has much deeper rose-pink flowers and more pointed leaves. Common Milkweed Pods. Asclepias purpurascens, commonly called purple milkweed, is a rough, weedy, Missouri native perennial that commonly occurs in dry to moist open woods, dry ridge tops, thickets, glades, prairie openings, stream banks and wet meadows throughout most of the state (Steyermark).It is similar in appearance to common milkweed (A. syriaca), except its flowers are … Francis. • USDA Zones 3-9. This species is closely related with the common milkweed, A. syriaca, with which it sometimes hybridizes at the eastern limits of its distribution.These species are similar in appearance and growth form (tall and robust), but can be distinguished by the layer of fine white hairs on speciosa and flowers that look like small crowns. Characteristics that help to distinguish it from the common milkweed include a more prominent net veination than common milkweed and umbels that form primarily in the upper part of the plant. Thank you for your support! You may share Butterfly Lady’s articles and photos, for non-commercial purposes, if you attribute Suzanne Tilton as the author/photographer and create an active link back to Butterfly-Lady.com. It has also been found growing in wet prairies and calcium rich sites. Perennial. Similar to common milkweed in flower and leaf shape, but more compact and colorful. Click here to see where you can purchase native milkweed plants online: http://butterfly-lady.com/online-vendors-of-native-milkweeds/. Asclepias purpurascens – Purple Milkweed is uncommon with many butterfly gardeners but it is a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit. This picture illustrates the corona with it's 5 hoods (this is where nectar is stored) and it's 5 … Milkweeds are different underground. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltada) is one of the few milkweeds that are shade tolerant. Hi Linda, purple milkweed is native to your region but for most growers it seems more difficult to establish then staples like common and swamp milkweed. Five species of milkweed are native to Oregon. Research has shown it to have high nutrient requirements. However, the Milkweed patterns are consistent on all Milkweeds. Host for Monarch caterpillars, nectar source for many butterflies. if you can locate plants/seeds I would say give them a go, but I wouldn’t count on it as your main milkweed variety as you’re getting started. • Drought tolerant. • Native to eastern North America and parts of western Canada and the United States. It tends to be a clumping plant that spreads less aggressively than other milkweed species. Poke Milkweed is often planted as a fast-growing annual in colder zones, where it will tolerate full sun. Size: Height: usually to about 3–4 feet, but can grow to 6 feet. This is a species that will … This Mid-western wildflower is a host plant for Monarch populations in the middle portion of the US. • Native to southcentral and southeastern United States. All other uses, including utilization of materials created by others, are prohibited without written permission from the respective copyright holder. It's bitter taste makes it fairly deer and rabbit resistant. This low-maintenance, quick-growing native grows wild in most of the Eastern US and Canada, primarily in damp, shady edges of clearings, or on shorelines of ponds and other waterways. Milkweed, Asclepias, is the host plant for Monarch butterflies, and it produces a sweet nectar that is sough by many butterfly species. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) has very skinny, “whorled” leaves. Common milkweed prefers sunny, dry locations but grows in a variety of conditions. However, butterfly weed sap is not milky. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) has flowers that resemble a cluster of brilliant pink stars. 1913. • Partial or full sun. Common milkweed is a clonal species and can usually be distinguished from purple milkweed because it usually has many stems distributed over a larger area. formation occurs, the pods of common milkweed are hairy and warty, whereas those of purple milkweed are downy but without warts. Plant Size: 1-2½ ft (30-76 cm) Desert Milkweed (Asclepias erosa) Uses: pollinators, host plant, hummingbirds Somewhat similar in appearance to common milkweed, (A. syriaca), purple milkweed is a smaller plant, its flowers are generally more consistent in purple coloration, its flower clusters are more terminal on the stem, and it is less hairy overall. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is a rare and showy Milkweed species. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is similar in appearance to common milkweed, but the blooms are a deeper purple color and this species won’t take over your garden. A magnet for pollinators and a host plant for monarch caterpillars. Asclepias purpurascens range map. Interesting fact about this plant is the Blackfoot Indians used the chewed roots to treat topical swellings and rashes, and chewed the roots for sore throat. USDA PLANTS Database. The flower clusters are ball shaped and light pink to purple. It is a native perennial listed as endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, and as a species … • Height 3 feet Purple milkweed is similar to common milkweed in flower color and leaf shape, but is more compact and colorful and doesn't spread as much. Milkweed flower color varies across species and can be white, yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, or red. The optimal identification period for this species is early June through early July. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) Tropical milkweed probably wins the contest for the … When you purchase, we receive a small commission to fund butterfly education. Dry, sandy, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. The pods of common milkweed are comma shaped, thick and covered with spines. Common milkweed has purplish flowers, with the blooms of butterfly weed orange or red, the only kind of milkweed that showcases these colors.Common milkweed has a milky sap like most types of milkweeds, an aspect of the plant that gives milkweeds their name. • Full sun. Not only is it very rarely found growing wild, but it is also very hard to find for purchase in nurseries. Orange crown-shaped cluster blooms Summer to Fall. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens)By Tania Hanline. The sap is clear, which is unique among the many kinds of milkweeds. Common milkweed exists over much of the United States, while butterfly weed grows mainly east of the Rocky Mountains. • Prefers sand, loam, and well-drained soil. Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) in particular is classified as Imperiled in Virginia (VA_DCR), and because it is a host plant for Monarchs, protecting the plant is an important part of conserving the natural habitat of Huntley Meadows Park. • USDA Zones 3-11. • Partial shade to full sun. Spread the word with this t-shirt. Plants form clumps 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and have stout straight stems topped by beautiful mid-summer rosy-purple flower balls. This uncommon species is native to lightly shaded edges and open woods. Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. Unlike swamp milkweed, common milkweed has large broad leaves with a prominent central vein. Mailstop Code: 1103 This guide includes profiles of the four most common species, all of which are used as a larval host plant by the monarch butterfly. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. • Height 2-3 feet.• Drought tolerant. Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) prefers wet, rich soil and can be found in wetlands and swamps throughout the Southeastern United States. • Height 12” tall. It is a native perennial listed as endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, and as a species of special concern in Tennessee and Connecticut. Washington DC 20250-1103, Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices, Native Plant Material Accomplishment Reports, Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West, Wildflowers, Part of the Pagentry of Fall Colors, Tall Forb Community of the Intermountain West, Strategic Planning, Budget And Accountability, Recreation, Heritage And Volunteer Resources, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air And Rare Plants. The flowers attract a wide variety of nectar seeking insects. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love. Though it is far distributed it rarely grows in large colonies like its common cousin Asclepias syrica. Its deep, vividly purple-pink colored umbels of flowers occur at the apex of the central stem. 2004. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is similar in appearance to common milkweed, but the blooms are a deeper purple color and this species won’t take over your garden. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. • Partial shade to full sun. A member of the Asclepiadacea family, purple milkweed is found growing primarily in Eastern North America. Not to be confused with swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), the flowers are white and restricted to floodplain forest and along streams. Swamp Milkweed  (Asclepias incarnata) usually grows in moist areas but it does not require a moist location in the garden. The seedpods of Purple Milkweed are smooth, while the seedpods of Common Milkweed have soft prickles. • Thrives in full sun. There are 5 rose pink petals with hoods that are connected at the base below the anther column. • Native to California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Asclepias speciosa, (Showy Milkweed). These flower parts are highly modified for insect pollination. It is similar to Common Milkweed but is less aggressive, has slightly smaller flowers, and an overall smooth appearance on the stem, leaves, and seed pods. • Perennial in USDA Zones 3-7. • Sandy or rocky well-drained soil. Asclepias purpurascens L. – purple milkweed Subordinate Taxa. This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Asclepias purpurascens flowers. . • Prefers moist rich soil. • USDA Zones 3-9. purple milkweed. Purple milkweed is an attractive and robust herbaceous perennial plant reaching 2-4’ tall producing attractive terminal clusters of purple flowers from late spring into summer. • Native to the eastern United States. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Found in ON, QC. Blooms late spring to early summer. Milkweeds are easy to harvest and easy to prepare. Prairie Milkweed is usually a shorter plant than Common Milkweed, and it produces fewer umbels of flowers from the axils of … Education, Gardening and Fun: Spreading the Joy of Butterflies to Everyone! It takes about two years before it flowers, but it is well worth the wait for the spectacular orange blooms. • Medium, to medium-dry well-drained soil. Whorled Milkweed can bloom anytime between July and September, which is later in the year than many other milkweeds. • Full sun. Description: Grows up to 1m in height but is … We grow and ship several species of milkweed (Asclepias curassavica, Asclepias incarnata, and Asclepias tuberosa) from May thru October. • Perennial in USDA Zones 3-7. Deer resistant, non-aggressive. • Requires regular watering. Click here to see where you can purchase native milkweed plants online: http://butterfly-lady.com/online-vendors-of-native-milkweeds/. Milkweed pods can be kept in the refrigerator and will have a shelf life similar to other produce in the fridge. Connecticut. Common names are from state and federal lists. Poke milkweed leaves often resemble those of purple milkweed. US Forest Service, FM-RM-VE The best time to view this beautiful and special wildflower is from June to August. • Medium-dry to dry soil. • Native to the Southeastern United States. Description: Also known as Narrowleaf milkweed, this perennial has narrow, whorled leaves with clusters of greenish-white flowers, often tinged with purple and blooms June to September. Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Barnes, T.G., and S.W. Tolerant of drought conditions once established, Native to most of the eastern US and eastern Canada, Well-drained soil, even tough clay or dry sand, Native to the western half of US and Canada. 1400 Independence Ave., SW The prepped pods also can be frozen and should be good for up to 3 months. Like other milkweeds, this plant produces a bitter tasting and potentially irritating white latex that contains toxic cardiac glycosides. Purple Milkweed Growing Conditions Asclepias Purpurascens is native to most of the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern parts of the United States and the region around Ontario, Canada (very similar to the range of Common Milkweed). Spreading by underground rhizomes, Purple Milkweed is best grown in unused areas of your yard, along ditch banks and fences … Copyright © 2009-2020 by Suzanne Tilton for all content, except as noted. A fragrant rose-purple milkweed with honey-scented blooms. Butterfly Lady showcases products with affiliate links. Here is a great write-up from Wild Ones that focuses on the most popular milkweed plants in our area (most popular with us as gardeners/habitat stewards and with the Monarchs :):. A robust grower, Purple Milkweed does well in most any soil and appreciates moisture. It is short, compact, and not too aggressive so functionally makes it a great milkweed for a normal/dry to dry yard. Different milkweeds (Asclepias) have slightly different flowers, though they have many similarities.But there are more prominent differences below ground. Although it spreads through underground rhizomes, it is far less aggressive than common milkweed and is an excellent alternative. Relatively common and nothing too special in its own right but purple milkweed (A. purpurascens) is a stunning plant that lights up the roadsides and forest margins come early summer. I accidentally found a chrysalis in the barn, which I brought indoors; and, before I realized there were many caterpillars in the fields, I brought one caterpillar that I found indoors as well. • Perennial in USDA Zones 6-9. Where they occur together, purple milkweed might hybridize with common milkweed (S. syriaca). Brown. Distribution in Missouri: Scattered statewide. Life history Species overview. It is most easily distinguished from other species by the vibrant magenta color of its flowers, but also by the strong downward point to its horns. The much sought-after Asclepias purpurascens, Purple Milkweed looks similar to Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), but the flower color is a rich red-purple color compared to the soft gray-pink of Common Milkweed. USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b; Full sun to part shade; Height 2 to 3 feet; Needs partially wet, well-drained soil. Special Concern. Growing Conditions: Needs sunlight, drought tolerant, dry to moist soils. It is one of the easiest milkweeds to grow and establish. Purple milkweed has very distinctive flowers whose nectar attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) also performs well, but the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) was a little trickier to grow. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/31rUCNE. Preferred habitat includes full to part sun on sandy soils of prairies, shrub thickets, shores, and dry open woodlands of such as oak and oak/pine forests. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is also called Pleurisy Root, Canada Root, Orange Milkweed, and Indian Paintbrush. Status: The entire former milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae) has recently been rolled into the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) is one of the more widespread milkweeds. • Height 24”- 48” tall. Population declines are thought to be connected to gene swapping with common milkweed and low levels of flowering. Hi — I have lots of common milkweed in my VT pastures, and this year noticed a surprising number of Monarch butterflies. davisii (Davis’ milkweed) Asclepias fascicularis (narrow-leaved milkweed) • Height 2-6 feet. Massachusetts. • Perennial USDA Zones 3-11. General Description . It’s a wonderful choice for natural areas and an excellent replacement for tough invasive plants in sunny spots. There are clusters of approximately 20 flowers near the top of each plant. The white flowers can be a greenish-white on some plants. "It likes a really dry … Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found in moist prairies.Blooming occurs early June through early July; fruiting occurs throughout July. There are usually one to three blooms that form near the ends of the stems in late spring, early summer. Storing Milkweed Pods. Native to most of the Continental US and Eastern Canada. The one most similar to common milkweed is purple milkweed, but its flowers are darker and more purplish, and its pods lack slender warty projections. Asclepias cordifolia (purple milkweed, heartleaf milkweed) Asclepias cryptoceras ssp. 1913. • Drought tolerant. Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. Sweetly-scented spherical clusters of purplish burgundy flowers bloom in early summer. Current conservation efforts include protecting prairie remnants, maintaining other dry open sites and understanding the natural history that enables it to also exist in moist woods. For many years, botanists have known the two families were closely related. While not exceptionally beautiful, it is an interesting milkweed variety. A member of the Asclepiadacea family, purple milkweed is found growing primarily in Eastern North America. This is the likely reason that this wildflower has few mammalian herbivores other than deer that are believed to negatively impact the dispersal of seeds. Oppositely arranged leaves are pubescent and dark green adaxially and densely pubescent and light green abaxially. Asclepias purpurascens. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Common_Milkweed_fruits_8-11-14.JPG. In addition to being a host plant for the monarch butterfly, many other butterflies and bees will visit. It will grow well in containers and can easily be grown from cuttings. • Partial shade. • Native eastern and central United States from Connecticut to Georgia to Arizona to Montana, as well as southern Canada. leaves are hairless on their undersides. Noteworthy Characteristics.