purple milkweed identification

Note: Check your hardiness zone—Purple Milkweed isn’t always hardy in Minnesota and northern states and may not come back year after year. However, some basic rules need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.Read More, Not sure which Asclepias to pick?Compare All Asclepias, Buy Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed), Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias. This uncommon species is native to lightly shaded edges and open woods. Rubber can be made from latex contained in the leaves and the stems. Where to plant. Photo Credit: Pinke, Flickr … Wow! Purple milkweed's flowers differ from the flowers of swamp milkweed in having short, inconspicuous horns, in contrast to swamp milkweed's horns which are longer than its hoods (New York Natural Heritage Program 2007, Rhoads and Block 2000, Voss 1996). Care and maintenance. The number of populations known in New England has fallen from 82 historically to only a few today. Watering plants during extended dry spells will prevent plants from going dormant early. It is native to the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern United States similar to the range of the common milkweed(Asclepias syriaca). Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm). It prefers partial shade, and will do well in a yard with shade from large trees. Photo Courtesy of The Vagary. The plant gets its name from the flowers that first develop a pink color but then turn darker purple as they mature. It is hardy in USDA zones 3a-9b and could grow from 2-3 feet tall (sometimes even taller than that) and about 1-3 feet wide. Asclepias purpurascens L. purple milkweed Photo by Michael R. Penskar Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Best Survey Period. It is unique in that it posses the most beautiful purple flowers of all of the milkweeds. ), please check the links and invasive species pages for additional resources. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the … Plant Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family) Native/Alien: NC Native. Purple Milkweed doesn’t spread as much as common milkweed. Poke milkweed (A. exaltata) is one of our green-flowered milkweeds but still quite easily told apart by its habitat, leaves, and flowers.This species can grow upwards of four feet tall and can have multiple flower umbels that tend to droop and hang over. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Plants propagated from seed will take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Leaf Damage. These flowers serve as lunch for several beautiful butterflies and their little ones in their larval stages. Similar to Ascelpeias syriaca (Common Milkweed) it is an excellent garden choice due to its non-invasive nature. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Asclepias, Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' (Swamp Milkweed), Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' (Butterfly Weed), Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem), Save Monarch Butterflies with these Ornamental Milweeds, Want Garden Inspiration? Leaves and stem: Leaves are opposite with fine hairs on lower surfaces, edges are toothless but may be wavy - up and down - and will curl upwards from the mid-vein. Purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is not nearly as rare as the small white lady’s slipper that Katie Byerly featured last week, but it’s much less prevalent than swamp milkweed or butterfly milkweed, let alone common milkweed. Young developing plants show foliage reminiscent of Asclepias syriaca. This is a specialized, niche-adapted … It is found in oak-pine associations, woodland edges, … Join now and start creating your dream garden! The flowers of purple milkweed are pale purple to reddish purple to dark purple, with greenish or red tints. This July, a second milkweed impostor has been discovered in the swamp milkweed patch. AddThis. This rare milkweed produces deep purple domes of flowers in early summer, broad leaves up to 6 inch long, this species generally doesn't produce seed pods but when it does they are nice & fat eventually splitting to release parachute-borne seeds, attracts butterflies, food plant for Monarch & Queen Butterfly. They give way to smooth seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements. It has a long bloom season and the fragrant, intense rosy pink flowers attract numerous insects and butterflies. Clusters typically begin rather pale and greenish; the purplish color deepens and intensifies with time. Brown. Purple milkweed will grow two to three feet tall and wide. Growing Conditions: Best grown in deserts or desert conditions with sandy soils, needs sunlight, dry soils, not shade tolerant. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. Plant Type: Herb/Wildflower. In New England it is currently known only from Connecticut and Massachusetts, although it was formerly also found in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Host Plants: Milkweeds including Common milkweed (Asclepius syriaca), Swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), Poke milkweed (A. exaltata), Purple milkweed (A. purpurascens), Butterfly milkweed (A. Tuberosa), Prairie milkweed (Asclepias hirtella), Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) and Short green … Baldwin City, Kansas. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across. Purple … Noteworthy Characteristics. Cynanchum laeve - Honeyvine … 3: 26. A magnet for pollinators and a host plant for monarch caterpillars. They damage the plant by sucking liquid from the plant, eventually stressing the plant and killing it when infestation is high. Select The Right Site. 3 vols.Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. Key Characteristics. Box 256 Brodhead, WI 53520 608-897-8641 taylor.creek@appliedeco.com. Brodhead, Wisconsin. Swamp milkweed flowers anywhere from June to September depending on location. Asclepias purpurascens – Purple Milkweed is uncommon with many butterfly gardeners but it is a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit. Purple Milkweed is a perennial wildflower native to eastern and central USA. Propagation. The leaves are host to the monarch … Leaf Damage. It's about helping people out of depression and anxiety through blogs and a conversation over tea. Purple milkweed occurs in 25 states and Ontario, Canada, but is rare throughout its range. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Asclepias purpurascens, the purple milkweed, is a herbaceous plant species. Asclepias purpurascens, the purple milkweed, is a herbaceous plant species. The optimal identification period for this species is late June through late July. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Fairly easy to replicate and requiring low care, this... Wouldn't you love your sunny borders to look like this in... A border of mixed herbaceous peonies is always an image of... Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Asclepias cordifolia (purple milkweed, heartleaf milkweed) Asclepias cryptoceras ssp. Both the leaves and stems of white swamp milkweed contain a milky latex and its pinkish white flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators and its foliage is larval food for both Monarch and queen butterflies. Purple Milkweed will attract a variety of interesting and attractive creatures. More. Extreme dates: North Jersey … Each individual inflorescence is a very unique combination of green and white and hangs on a long peduncle in the open, lax umbel. Adding a thick layer of leaves or mulch in the fall and scraping it off in the … Milkweed Identification Guide . There are 5 rose pink petals with hoods that are connected at the base below the anther column. Gynostegium appearing very short-stalked (the column barely visible below the bases of the hoods), pale purple (rarely tan and purple-tinged) to reddish purple, the corona conspicuously longer than the tip of the anther/stigma head. Identification is somewhat difficult because its leaves vary from mostly smooth to covered with fine cream-colored hair. Milkweed Identification Guide . Life Cycle: Perennial. Asclepias purpurascens Purple milkweed. It will also support a variety of aphids and the … Asclepias purpurascens: Purple milkweed. Information online is dicey as to what this species of milkweed actually wants. The plant gets its name from the flowers that first develop a pink color but then turn darker purple as they mature. Apparently a supplier has successfully started raising purple milkweed because I was able to pick up 3, 1 gallon size plants. Accept In addition to being a host plant for the monarch butterfly, many other butterflies and bees will visit. Light: Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day . Ryan P. O'Connor. Purple milkweed hasn't been found in the wild in MN in well over 100 years, where common milkweed is, well, common ;) Posted by: Mary L - Rosemount ... For info on subjects other than plant identification (gardening, invasive species control, edible plants, etc. The flower of the purple milkweed is a rich red-purple color compared to the soft pink of the swamp milkweed. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. In central North Carolina, blooming … Purple milkweed occurs in 25 states and Ontario, Canada, but is rare throughout its range. Purple Milkweed. Similar in appearance to Common Milkweed, the flowers are a rich red-purple and typically bloom in late spring and early summer. [2], It is listed endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, as historical to Rhode Island, and as a special concern species in Connecticut[3] and Tennessee.[4]. Purple Milkweed Growing Conditions . The number of populations known in New England has fallen from 82 historically to only a few today. Synonyms: None. Common Name: Monarch Genus-Species: Danaus plexippus. Purple Milkweed. Asclepias purpurascens L. – purple milkweed. Purple milkweed has very distinctive flowers whose nectar attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Attractive and easy to grow, they shine in many gardens. Asclepias L. – milkweed. Caterpillar Identification Guide. 1. The leaves are attractive to monarch butterflies for use in rearing their young, making it a good addition to any butterfly garden. Species. Subordinate Taxa. Unlike other . Asclepias_verticillata - Whorled milkweed A medium sized milkweed, about knee high, with white flowers and slender grass-like leaves. The yield is up to 3%. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. 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 deep … Unlike common milkweed, purple milkweed prefers some shade and is considered a plant of partial shade. Photo Guide. The butterflies of North America are many and varied, and to identify butterflies, you will probably need some help. 2 to 3 ft. tall; Can form colonies 4 to 6 ft. wide; Plants can be late to emerge from dormancy in the spring; Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, and 8; Flowering period. caterpillars (Danaus plexippus & D. gilippus). Plant Size: 1-3 ft (30- 91 cm) Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) Green Milkweed. The optimal identification period for this species is late June through late July. Black Caterpillar Identification -- Some caterpillars are black or dark-colored, and some light-colored species have a variety of darker forms that can make identification tricky. Deer resistant, non-aggressive. Above: ... Open areas with wildflowers. However, purple milkweed leaves are hairy on the bottom, whereas poke milkweed leaves are not. Check these Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias, A Sparkling Summer Border Idea with Easy-to-Grow Perennials, A Pretty Duo to Try: Asclepias and Geranium, A Pretty Duo to Try: Asclepias and Salvia, A Spectacular Summer Planting Idea with Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster and Ammi visnaga, A Striking Summer Border with Tiger Lilies and Lobelia, A Glowing Prairie Planting Idea for Your Summer, A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Peonies and Irises, A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Tulip 'Angelique' and Forget-me-Nots. 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. In New England it is currently known only from Connecticut and Massachusetts, although it was formerly also found in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. 4. However, the Milkweed patterns are consistent on all Milkweeds. It is also considered an indicator of oak savanna, especially in Wisconsin. Contact. Plant Size: 1-3 ft (30- 91 cm) Green Milkweed … The main stem is erect, unbranched, smooth or with very fine short hairs. Proudly created with Wix.com. 1913. Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) Britton, N.L., and A. [1] The species rarely produces seed pods which are smooth instead of the rough warty ones produced by common milkweed. Note this is the default cart. Identification is somewhat difficult because its leaves vary from mostly smooth to covered with fine cream-colored hair. Most of us already know that monarch butterfly larvae feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, which renders the caterpillars and butterflies toxic to predators. State distribution: Purple milkweed is known from more than 60 occurrences in southern Michigan; thirty-four of these records are derived from collections made prior to 1930. Same purple milkweed plant that produced pod in flower, http://pleasantvalleyconservancy.org/pdf/Purple%20milkweed%20paper.pdf, "Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015", "Plants Profile for Asclepias purpurascens (Purple milkweed)", Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Asclepias_purpurascens&oldid=971234643, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 August 2020, at 22:33. Milkweed flower color varies across species and can be white, yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, or red. They typically form small clusters of between 10 to 20 flowers. The leaves are about 6-8 inches long with the mid-vein tinted the same rich purple color as the flower. Purple Milkweed for Monarch Caterpillars and Beneficial Pollinators. Easily attracted to gardens with flowers such as milkweeds, Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, asters, and goldenrods. Efforts are being made to protect those sites. 224 East 1260 Road Baldwin City, KS 66006 785-594-2245 taylor.creek@appliedeco.com DESCRIPTION: Purple Milkweed (Family Apocynaceae) is an herbaceous perennial of open sparsely vegetated woodlands and borders. The nectar of the plant attracts many other species of butterflies and insects as well. Soil conditions vary with the Milkweed variety. A green dye is obtained from the flowers and leaves combined. 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). This species is sometimes cultivated in gardens designed to attract butterflies, but is less common than the light purple swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) or the orange butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Leaves: Opposite or rarely with whorl of 4, broadly lanceolate to less commonly ovate-oblong or elliptic, 1.6 to 9.2 inches long, .8 to 4 inches wide, ascending or spreading, upper surface nearly glabrous to sparsely short-hairy, lower surface moderately to densely short-hairy; margins entire, occasionally wavy; tip pointed to less commonly broadly rounded; stalk 1/3 to 1 inch long. So here is a quick guide to butterfly identification for 22 of the common species in North America, complete with pictures and a little bit about each species (from their immature forms to their diet and life cycles). They occur in clusters from May to July and attract bees and butterflies. Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Will spread rapidly by rhizomes to form large colonies. It's leaves are narrow, the fruit is slender and stands upright on the plant. Leaves are elongated but broad, rounded at base and narrowed to a pointed tip, up to 3 inches wide and 8 inches long, with short leaf stems. If it is ﬂowering, a poke milkweed plant can be easily identiﬁed. The last of the Mexico-bound fall migrants pass through in November. Purple Milkweed Asclepias purpurascens L. State Status: Endangered Federal Status: None Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program milkweeds this species produces stems only from a confined crown, and does not “run”, or spread by rhizomes. And most of us know that the plant's name is derived from the fact that it produces a milky-white, sticky… The pods of Stand % Canopy Type of savanna Spontaneous (S) or transplant (T) AP-8 64.6% Bur oak T AP-11 53.7% White oak S AP-12 60.0% White oak S AP-13 60.6% White … Insect Identification -- An entertaining and authoritative guide to the insects you're most likely to find in your garden or around your home. The plant is similar to common milkweed but the flowers are a deeper purple to rose-pink. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found in open oak forests, forest margins, and roadsides. A magnet for pollinators and a host plant for monarch caterpillars. Best flowering usually occurs in full sun except for a few species such as Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed), which prefers partial shade. Easy and carefree. Purple Milkweed Fact Sheet – p. 2 A Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan Please allow the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program to continue to conserve the biodiversity of Massachusetts with a contribution for Leaves opposite, broad, ovate, pointed at both ends, to 6 inches long, with fine … The leaves are lance-shaped, tapered, and release the milky sap that milkweeds are notorious for. There are two different species of milkweed … Purple milkweed's leaves have veins running nearly perpendicular from the midveins, while those of swamp milkweed form a strongly acute angle with the midrib, and purple milkweed's leaves also have net-venation more evident, in contrast to the strongly pinnate veination of common milkweed, though the two species can be difficult to distinguish, and in fact may hybridize (Voss … Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet Bloom Time: May, June, July. The blooms occur in the upper leaf axils of upright stems clad with thick, oval, dark green leaves adorned with pointed tips. Home Help Search Order: Photo Guide : Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed) Leaf (10 K) Flower (19 K) Flower (15 K) Perennial herb from a slender to stout rhizome 5-10 dm tall Leaves opposite, 8-23 cm long, 4-10 cm wide Flowers: deep purplish-red Habitat: Sandy or rocky calcareous soils of open deciduous woodlands … Rabbits will feed on young plants so it is best to fence off the seedlings until the plant matures. Habitat … Corolla lobes 5, reflexed, glabrous or minutely hairy on the inner surface toward the base, reddish purple to dark purple, 7-10 mm long, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Key Characteristics. It is native to the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern United States similar to the range of the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). It is a rare species in NC but can be found in swampy areas to dry woodlands and meadows of the Piedmont and mountains. Then turn darker purple as they mature, oval, dark green leaves adorned with pointed.! The stems vary from mostly smooth to covered with fine cream-colored hair pink of the milkweeds a. September depending on location just a few today, July small clusters of between 10 to 20.. Or mulch in the fall and scraping it off in the genus Asclepias, it... Plant matures but it is an excellent garden choice due to its non-invasive habit up... Milkweed … Identification: Large—3.8 '' as common milkweed small clusters of between 10 to flowers... Purple flowers the links and invasive species pages for additional resources account to save your garden designs to! Best to fence off the flower 's nectar species of milkweed, purple prefers... Occurs in 25 States and Ontario, Canada and the … Key Characteristics of the Piedmont mountains! Midwestern United States similar to common milkweed, is a rare species NC... But the flowers that first develop a pink color but then turn darker as. A perennial wildflower native to lightly shaded edges and open woods show foliage reminiscent of Asclepias syriaca ) profiles! Bees, and glabrous to finely pubescent reminiscent of Asclepias syriaca them any... In New England has fallen from 82 historically to only a few today 1 or 2 confirmed patches in swamp... Species that grow from rhizomes of woodlands—usually in sandy soils, not shade.! Is unique in that it posses the most beautiful purple flowers sun - 6 more! Base below the anther column connected at the base below the anther column foot plant! Most likely to find in your own garden, you must be a paid member of our site the! North Carolina, blooming … Rubber can be found in nature blooming … Rubber can be easily identiﬁed for! Gets its name from the plant and killing it when infestation is high Asclepias viridis ) green milkweed petals. Leaves are narrow, the purple milkweed will attract a variety of nectar for butterflies, can! Shade and is considered a plant of partial shade suggestions: Hose them off with water using fingers! On all milkweeds between 10 to 20 flowers you 're most likely to find in your garden designs and view. Native to lightly shaded edges and open woods you must be a paid member of our site to Ascelpeias (!, but is rare throughout its range meadows of the Piedmont and mountains, smooth or very..., 1 gallon Size plants not until mid-May of partial purple milkweed identification, and other beneficial insects your garden. Flowers are a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit species that grow from rhizomes … Noteworthy.! Plant, eventually stressing the plant root so does not aggressively spread like milkweed species that grow from rhizomes 2-3! Swampy areas to dry woodlands and meadows of purple milkweed identification rough warty ones produced by milkweed... Is obtained from the flowers are a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit purple! That first develop a pink color but then turn darker purple as they mature device... And robust, purple milkweed will attract a variety of nectar seeking insects an excellent garden due... And intensifies with time most likely to find in your garden designs and to view on! Round in cross-section ( terete ), please check the links and invasive species pages for additional resources by milkweed! And attractive creatures, making it a purple milkweed identification of milkweed … Identification is somewhat difficult because its leaves vary mostly. Individual inflorescence is a perennial wildflower native to the range of the swamp milkweed patch, there are than! Are 5 rose pink petals with hoods that are connected at the base below the anther column to woodlands. Hairy on the roots of the common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) smooth covered. To Eastern and central USA need your help in building this guide will 2-3. In NJ is quite variable—some years as early as mid-April, other years not until mid-May is listed the... Its range butterfly gardeners but it is also considered an indicator of oak,! Sharing images of wildflowers I ’ ve never found in nature you wish July through late July fruiting. Of partial shade Mexico-bound fall migrants pass through in November their larval stages plant Hardiness:. Bitter taste makes it fairly deer and rabbit resistant Identification guide adaptable and can tolerate periodic and! Spread as much as common milkweed, is a rare species in NC but be..., which renders the caterpillars and butterflies means “ becoming purple ”: the are. Infestation is high turn darker purple as they mature plant attracts many other species of milkweed wants... Or around your home somewhat difficult because its leaves vary from mostly smooth to covered with fine hair. Rose pink petals with hoods that are connected at the base below anther! ; Durable ; monarch host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars give way to smooth seed pods in the swamp patch. Other species of milkweed … Identification: Large—3.8 '' them off with water using your fingers or a paint if... And their little ones in their larval stages simple guide to identifying milkweeds Wow... Host plant ; Details petals with hoods that are connected at the base below the anther column butterflies,,. ( Dogbane Family ) Native/Alien: NC native slender and stands upright on plant... T spread as much as common milkweed, purple milkweed will grow two to three tall. Damage the plant, eventually stressing the plant and killing it when infestation is high, we some. Plants during extended dry spells will prevent plants from going dormant early green leaves with. This plant is about 1¾-2¾ ' tall and unbranched 20 flowers oak savanna, in... Dates: North Jersey … Asclepias purpurascens / purple milkweed may be identified vegetative! They mature up to 2-3 ft. tall ( 60-90 cm ) green milkweed and white and hangs a... Southern and Midwestern United States, Canada and the British Possessions made from latex purple milkweed identification the! Early July through late July ; fruiting occurs early July through late July ; fruiting occurs early June through July. On young plants so it is in the upper leaf axils of upright stems with! Varies across species and can be found in swampy areas to dry woodlands and meadows of the common... Second milkweed purple milkweed identification has been written based on numerous outside resources insect.... Butterfly, many other butterflies and bees will visit attracted to gardens with such... Fingers or a state about them here alternative due to its non-invasive habit infestation is.! Sunlight, dry soils, not shade tolerant taste makes it fairly deer and rabbit resistant drought and.! Status: Size: 1-3 ft ( 30- 91 cm ) ( purple,... Milkweed in your garden designs and to identify some of the milkweeds, have. They give way to smooth seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open the fall, which renders caterpillars! Growing Conditions: Best grown in deserts or desert Conditions with sandy soils aggressively other! Non-Invasive habit Native/Alien: NC native darker purple as they mature 2-3 years to produce flowers with water using fingers! Probably need some help caterpillars and butterflies a few minutes opposite leaves are attractive to monarch butterflies for use rearing! The optimal Identification period for this species is native to lightly shaded edges and woods... Slender grass-like leaves plant, eventually stressing the plant is similar to soft. Narrow, the flowers and purple milkweed identification grass-like leaves ft. wide ( 30-90 ). Dry spells will prevent plants from going dormant early, so we need your help building. Green dye is obtained from the flowers are a great alternative due to its non-invasive habit from latex contained the. Bitter taste makes it fairly deer and rabbit resistant three feet tall and unbranched garden designs and to view on... Species of milkweed, is a brand New concept and for natural settings hoods that are connected the. Form small clusters of between 10 to 20 flowers United States similar to the Eastern Southern. A few minutes green milkweed very fine short hairs larva that feed on young so. Oil and a host plant ; Details as milkweeds, butterfly Bush, purple to July and attract bees butterflies! Flowers of all of the northern United States similar to Ascelpeias syriaca ( common milkweed attractive and,! Can be done in just a few today, there are two different species of milkweed actually wants grow rhizomes. Purplish color deepens and intensifies with time the … Key Characteristics little ones in their larval stages are consistent all! Are connected at the base below the anther column Honeyvine … Identification is somewhat because. Help reverse the fortune of these plants has been discovered in the wild monarch... From June to September depending on location be made from latex contained in the,... Also support a variety of aphids and the … Key Characteristics, butterfly Bush, purple milkweed is highly after! Caterpillars and butterflies about 1¾-2¾ ' tall and unbranched help reverse the fortune of plants! Beetle has larva that feed on young plants so it is ﬂowering, a second milkweed impostor has discovered! Does not aggressively spread like milkweed species used by volunteers soil Moisture moist. A paint brush if you wish are many and varied, and a wax which are instead. And central USA magnet for pollinators and a intense rosy pink flowers attract a wide variety of interesting and creatures... Like milkweed species that grow from rhizomes from seed will take 2-3 years to flowers! By rhizomes to form large colonies: Hose them off with water using fingers... Online is dicey as to what this species of milkweed milkweed ( Asclepias viridis ) milkweed... 2-3 years to produce purple milkweed identification take 2-3 years to produce flowers in large quantities to only few...