Purple Milkweed
Asclepias purpurascens
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Photo by and (c)2009 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Asclepias
- Species:
- Asclepias purpurascens
- USDA Symbol:
- ASPU2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis) Moths:Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle) Butterflies:Great Spangled (Argynnis cybele), ⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in open woods and prairies; sensitive to soil compaction.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Light required for germination; do not cover seed.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)