Asclepias purpurascens / Purple Milkweed (Dogbane Family)

This special milkweed is similar to Common Milkweed, but has showier, dark pink to purple flowers, is typically shorter and more shade tolerant, and is not as aggressive as the former. It can also be harder to grow. Don’t be surprised if newly transplanted plants go dormant soon after planting. Plants may take 3 years to bloom.

Blooms:  Purple, 3-4 weeks, May-June
Leaves:  Large, ovate leaves have a purple central vein
Height: 1-3’
Space: 18-24”
Soil: Average, drought tolerant once established
Exposure:  Part sun
Fauna: High pollinator values, many types of bees visit, moth and butterfly host plant, host to several milkweed specific insects
Seeds:  6”, skinny, bean like pods filled with numerous brown seeds attached to silky, hair like strands
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-9
Native Status: NC native, rare across the state
Provenance: WV, seed grown