Butterfly Garden Plant Asclepias purpurascens Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed
(Asclepias purpurascens)
General Information
Cultural Requirements
Native Range
Plant Rating
Plant Reviews
General Information
Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens)
A good choice for butterfly gardens due to its non-invasive nature. Though not as commonly offered for sale as other milkweeds, Purple Milkweed is worth searching out for its deep purple, showy flowers.
Importance as a butterfly nectar source:
In addition to Monarchs, Purple Milkweed provides nectar for a wide variety of butterflies including Swallowtails, Red Admirals, Hairstreaks, and Fritillaries.Importance as a caterpillar food source:
Like all milkweeds, Purple Milkweed is a food source for the Monarch caterpillar. Plant for plant, Purple Milkweed does not produce as much foliage as other milkweeds, such as Swamp Milkweed, and therefore does not provide as great a food source for caterpillars.
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 to 9 |
| Bloom Period | July to August |
| Bloom Color | Purple |
| Plant Height | 24 to 48 inches |
| Plant Spread | Varies with age of plant |
| Light Exposure | Sun to part shade |
| Soil Moisture | Most to average |
| Animal/Disease Problems | Deer resistant, aphids may be a problem |
Plant Rating
Plant rating scale ranges from 0 to 3. Plants rating 3 are the most useful for butterfly gardens. For more details on the ratings, see Native Plant Ratings
| Garden Rating | 2 |
| Nectar Rating | 2 |
| Caterpillar Rating | 3 |
Henry and Orion, IL Purple Milkweed volunteers and plant numbers increase each year in my wildflower garden and in nearby fields.
