Please note, this species is rhizomatous and will spread. 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. Give them a try and who knows — you may really like them and try them again and again. Plants form clumps 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and have stout straight stems topped by beautiful mid-summer rosy-purple flower balls. • Native to the eastern United States. 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 :):. US Forest Service, FM-RM-VE • Sandy or rocky well-drained soil. Asclepias speciosa, (Showy Milkweed). • Drought tolerant. Asclepias purpurascens L. – purple milkweed Subordinate Taxa. Common milkweed exists over much of the United States, while butterfly weed grows mainly east of the Rocky Mountains. • Native to eastern North America and parts of western Canada and the United States. • Full sun. • Prefers sand, loam, and well-drained soil. Growing Conditions: Needs sunlight, drought tolerant, dry to moist soils. 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. • Height 24”- 48” tall. 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. There are usually one to three blooms that form near the ends of the stems in late spring, early summer. The white flowers can be a greenish-white on some plants. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. There are clusters of approximately 20 flowers near the top of each plant. It is short, compact, and not too aggressive so functionally makes it a great milkweed for a normal/dry to dry yard. Status: The entire former milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae) has recently been rolled into the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Whorled Milkweed can bloom anytime between July and September, which is later in the year than many other milkweeds. • Native to southcentral and 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. 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). • Native to the Southeastern United States. The sap is clear, which is unique among the many kinds of milkweeds. leaves are hairless on their undersides. Native to most of the Continental US and Eastern Canada. Unlike swamp milkweed, common milkweed has large broad leaves with a prominent central vein. 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. It is a native perennial listed as endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, and as a species of special concern in Tennessee and Connecticut. Click here to see where you can purchase native milkweed plants online: http://butterfly-lady.com/online-vendors-of-native-milkweeds/. Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. 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. Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Barnes, T.G., and S.W. Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) is extremely easy to grow and grows in any sunny spot in the garden. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. • USDA Zones 3-11. The optimal identification period for this species is early June through early July. • Partial shade to full sun. • USDA Zones 3-9. • Drought tolerant. 1913. 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. However, butterfly weed sap is not milky. purple milkweed. Uses: pollinators, host plant, hummingbirds Deer resistant, non-aggressive. 2004. Special Concern. Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) is one of the more widespread milkweeds. 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. Butterfly Lady showcases products with affiliate links. • Native to central and south-central United States. Asclepias purpurascens range map. Similar to common milkweed in flower and leaf shape, but more compact and colorful. It will grow well in containers and can easily be grown from cuttings. Purple milkweed has very distinctive flowers whose nectar attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. • Requires regular watering. It tends to be a clumping plant that spreads less aggressively than other milkweed species. This is a species that will … Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), also known as Mexican Whorled Milkweed, blooms in clusters of lavender, pale pink, purple, white, to greenish shades of flowers. There are different varieties of this milkweed including ‘Cinderella’ Swamp Milkweed (pink blooms) ‘Ice Ballet’ Swamp Milkweed (white blooms.). The horns are down curved and purplish white. • Height 2-6 feet. Thank you for your support! • Full sun. It has also been found growing in wet prairies and calcium rich sites. • Grows best in consistently moist soil. 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. Hi — I have lots of common milkweed in my VT pastures, and this year noticed a surprising number of Monarch butterflies. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Found in ON, QC. Poke milkweed leaves often resemble those of purple milkweed. Dry, sandy, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is a rare and showy Milkweed species. Milkweed pods can be kept in the refrigerator and will have a shelf life similar to other produce in the fridge. • Height 1-2 feet. • Medium, to medium-dry well-drained soil. Oppositely arranged leaves are pubescent and dark green adaxially and densely pubescent and light green abaxially. • Perennial in USDA Zones 6-9. The best time to view this beautiful and special wildflower is from June to August. There are 5 rose pink petals with hoods that are connected at the base below the anther column. Common milkweed prefers sunny, dry locations but grows in a variety of conditions. Milkweeds are different underground. Milkweed flower color varies across species and can be white, yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, or red. Mailstop Code: 1103 Description: Grows up to 1m in height but is … General Description . Storing Milkweed Pods. When you purchase, we receive a small commission to fund butterfly education. • Native eastern and central United States from Connecticut to Georgia to Arizona to Montana, as well as southern Canada. 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. Blooms late spring to early summer. The Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) also performs well, but the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) was a little trickier to grow. It takes about two years before it flowers, but it is well worth the wait for the spectacular orange blooms. A magnet for pollinators and a host plant for monarch caterpillars. Orange crown-shaped cluster blooms Summer to Fall. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. 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. This Mid-western wildflower is a host plant for Monarch populations in the middle portion of the US. A member of the Asclepiadacea family, purple milkweed is found growing primarily in Eastern North America. 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. • Partial shade to full sun. 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 … It is a native perennial listed as endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, and as a species … Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) prefers wet, rich soil and can be found in wetlands and swamps throughout the Southeastern United States. 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. A robust grower, Purple Milkweed does well in most any soil and appreciates moisture. 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. • Height 3 feet Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltada) is one of the few milkweeds that are shade tolerant. 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. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) has very skinny, “whorled” leaves. Spreading by underground rhizomes, Purple Milkweed is best grown in unused areas of your yard, along ditch banks and fences … Size: Height: usually to about 3–4 feet, but can grow to 6 feet. However, the Milkweed patterns are consistent on all Milkweeds. Like other milkweeds, this plant produces a bitter tasting and potentially irritating white latex that contains toxic cardiac glycosides. • Perennial USDA Zones 3-11. Its deep, vividly purple-pink colored umbels of flowers occur at the apex of the central stem. 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. This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Asclepias cordifolia (purple milkweed, heartleaf milkweed) Asclepias cryptoceras ssp. Host for Monarch caterpillars, nectar source for many butterflies. • Native to California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. We grow and ship several species of milkweed (Asclepias curassavica, Asclepias incarnata, and Asclepias tuberosa) from May thru October. This uncommon species is native to lightly shaded edges and open woods. USDA PLANTS Database. Noteworthy Characteristics. 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. 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. . Different milkweeds (Asclepias) have slightly different flowers, though they have many similarities.But there are more prominent differences below ground. 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. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) Tropical milkweed probably wins the contest for the … 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. This picture illustrates the corona with it's 5 hoods (this is where nectar is stored) and it's 5 … It is one of the easiest milkweeds to grow and establish. • Height 2-3 feet.• Drought tolerant. Common_Milkweed_fruits_8-11-14.JPG. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love. • Dry to rocky well-drained soil. • Thrives in full sun. The flower clusters are ball shaped and light pink to purple. Plant Size: 1-2½ ft (30-76 cm) Desert Milkweed (Asclepias erosa) • Drought tolerant. It's bitter taste makes it fairly deer and rabbit resistant. 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. Spread the word with this t-shirt. The pods of common milkweed are comma shaped, thick and covered with spines. For many years, botanists have known the two families were closely related. 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. In addition to being a host plant for the monarch butterfly, many other butterflies and bees will visit. Grows naturally in open woodlands and between roadsides and woodlands. Education, Gardening and Fun: Spreading the Joy of Butterflies to Everyone! Where they occur together, purple milkweed might hybridize with common milkweed (S. syriaca). • Perennial in USDA Zones 3-7. • Prefers moist rich soil. • USDA Zones 3-9. • Height 12” tall. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. • Partial shade. The seedpods of Purple Milkweed are smooth, while the seedpods of Common Milkweed have soft prickles. Brown. Milkweed, Asclepias, is the host plant for Monarch butterflies, and it produces a sweet nectar that is sough by many butterfly species. "It likes a really dry … Five species of milkweed are native to Oregon. 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. • Medium-dry to dry soil. Massachusetts. Poke Milkweed is often planted as a fast-growing annual in colder zones, where it will tolerate full sun. Similar in appearance to Common Milkweed, the flowers are a rich red-purple and typically bloom in late spring and early summer. Though it is far distributed it rarely grows in large colonies like its common cousin Asclepias syrica. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens)By Tania Hanline. • Perennial in USDA Zones 3-7. 1913. While not exceptionally beautiful, it is an interesting milkweed variety. Unlike other milkweed species, the leaves don’t contain a milky sap. Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found in moist prairies.Blooming occurs early June through early July; fruiting occurs throughout July. Sweetly-scented spherical clusters of purplish burgundy flowers bloom in early summer. 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. Not a spreader.Butterfly relationship: … Population declines are thought to be connected to gene swapping with common milkweed and low levels of flowering. Distribution in Missouri: Scattered statewide. This guide includes profiles of the four most common species, all of which are used as a larval host plant by the monarch butterfly. 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. Click here to see where you can purchase native milkweed plants online: http://butterfly-lady.com/online-vendors-of-native-milkweeds/. Prairie Milkweed is usually a shorter plant than Common Milkweed, and it produces fewer umbels of flowers from the axils of … Asclepias purpurascens. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a critical plant for Monarchs but has a spreading root system so it needs plenty of space. Swamp Milkweed  (Asclepias incarnata) usually grows in moist areas but it does not require a moist location in the garden. Connecticut. 1400 Independence Ave., SW Research has shown it to have high nutrient requirements. Francis. Not only is it very rarely found growing wild, but it is also very hard to find for purchase in nurseries. Common Milkweed Pods. These flower parts are highly modified for insect pollination. Life history Species overview. USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b; Full sun to part shade; Height 2 to 3 feet; Needs partially wet, well-drained soil. A fragrant rose-purple milkweed with honey-scented blooms. Britton, N.L., and A. Asclepias purpurascens flowers. Copyright © 2009-2020 by Suzanne Tilton for all content, except as noted. formation occurs, the pods of common milkweed are hairy and warty, whereas those of purple milkweed are downy but without warts. Common names are from state and federal lists. 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. 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. Perennial. It’s a wonderful choice for natural areas and an excellent replacement for tough invasive plants in sunny spots. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) has flowers that resemble a cluster of brilliant pink stars. davisii (Davis’ milkweed) Asclepias fascicularis (narrow-leaved milkweed) All other uses, including utilization of materials created by others, are prohibited without written permission from the respective copyright holder. Asclepias purpurascens – Purple Milkweed is uncommon with many butterfly gardeners but it is a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit. Although it spreads through underground rhizomes, it is far less aggressive than common milkweed and is an excellent alternative. Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The flowers attract a wide variety of nectar seeking insects. Native to most of the eastern US and eastern Canada. 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. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is also called Pleurisy Root, Canada Root, Orange Milkweed, and Indian Paintbrush. A member of the Asclepiadacea family, purple milkweed is found growing primarily in Eastern North America. 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. • Partial or full sun. Milkweeds are easy to harvest and easy to prepare. Not to be confused with swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), the flowers are white and restricted to floodplain forest and along streams. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/31rUCNE. 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