Prairie Milkweed

Asclepias sullivantii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Asclepias
Species:
Asclepias sullivantii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Pink

Native Range

United States: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Canada: Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers prairies and open meadows

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 150 days or damp stratified by mixing with equal amounts of vermiculite and lightly dampening in a plastic bag or container. Store this seed for 3-4 months in a cold room of 34-36 degrees F.

Establishment: The plant flowers from approx. June 19 to July 15. Seed is harvested July 30th. Found from southern Canada through the Great Plains to Missouri and Oklahoma and east to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, and also ranges from Ontario to Minnesota, south to Ohio and Kansas.

Source: npn.rngr.net