Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Family: | Apocynaceae (Dogbane) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | Midwest to Mid-Altantic US |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; fields, thickets, open woods, along shores |
| Bloom season: | June - July |
| Plant height: | 2 to 3 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: FACU NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/asclepias-purpurascens-5.jpg)
Flowers are about 1/3 inch across and about ½ inch long, with 5 petals angled down and out with tips pointing up, deep purple throughout though can exhibit lighter shades to pink. The 5 hoods are light pink to rose to purple, more than twice as tall as the flower center column. Horns also pink to rose, short, flat and curved in over flower center. Up to 6 round flower clusters 2½ to 3 inches wide are at the top of the plant and terminal leaf axils.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of wavy leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/asclepias-purpurascens-6.jpg)
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. 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. The main stem is erect, unbranched, smooth or with very fine short hairs.
Notes:
Only one record of this milkweed species has ever been listed at the Bell Herbarium, from 1883 down in Wabasha county, but that has since been determined as a mis-ID so there are now no records of it in the wild in Minnesota. It is listed as endangered in Wisconsin and as Special Concern or Endangered in other states within its native range. This species can thrive in home landscape gardens in Minnesota but needs watering in drier soils and in droughty weather. Somewhat similar in appearance to common milkweed, (A. syriaca), purple milkweed is a smaller plant, its flowers are generally more consistent purple in coloration, its flower clusters are more terminal on the stem, and it is less hairy overall. This is a species that will bring the gift of insects and birds to your garden.
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More photos
Purple Milkweed plants
more flowersPhotos by Peter M. Dziuk taken in a suburban garden and were grown from purchased seed.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2011-07-10 22:26:00
Saw this today. There was so much, I had to find out what it was. North of Deer River about 15 miles.
on: 2011-07-11 09:01:30
Purple milkweed isn't likely to be found in the wild. What you saw was much more likely common milkweed, especially if it was in any quantity.
on: 2012-06-25 20:29:15
We have this growing in our yard and garden. I wasn't sure what it was but the scent reminded me of lilacs. Very nice fragrance.
on: 2012-06-25 22:31:22
Bill, if the milkweed was not planted there it is more likely common milkweed, which does smell a lot like lilacs. Very nice, indeed.
on: 2014-12-11 12:48:46
I really like this plant because purple is my favoriot color and I love milkplants
on: 2015-07-02 19:19:05
Just spotted this lovely flower near my hydrangeas on a wooded path. I will be very careful to protect it. I have lived and gardened here for 18 years and this is the first time I have seen this variety of milkweed.
on: 2015-07-05 09:57:29
Karen, if the milkweed was not planted there it is more likely common milkweed. Purple milkweed hasn't been found in the wild in MN in well over 100 years, where common milkweed is, well, common ;)
on: 2016-07-18 01:28:35
Next to the Blue Aster, this has to be my most favorite of all the MN wild flowers! I have these in my yard. I look forward each year, after finally convincing my family to STOP PULLING THEM! The HUGE globes of tiny showy flowers, with the sent of heavy perfume. Visited often by butterflies (caterpillars), dragonflies, & hummingbirds.
on: 2017-07-15 18:27:22
We saw something similar along our lake shore. I took pics.
on: 2017-07-15 19:15:49
Veronica, unless you planted it, most likely what you have is common milkweed.
on: 2019-07-25 11:53:48
I'm a rookie - is Joe-pie weed consider milkweed?
on: 2019-07-26 22:52:29
No, Sharon, joe-pye is not a milkweed - it is in the Aster family.
on: 2020-06-22 13:11:42
I found what I think is this plant, asclepia purpurascens, near the river across from Winona, in Wisconsin.
on: 2020-07-18 11:13:37
Can I send a photo somehow? I found this in my perennial bed and I’ve never before. Growing really close to common milkweed
on: 2020-07-18 19:39:33
Carole, if you want help with an ID, post your photos on the Minnesota Wildflowers Facebook page.
on: 2020-07-19 09:20:39
There is one growing near the beginning of the boardwalk near Co Rd I W & Lexington Ave N. I have photos if you'd like to confirm. Thanks.
on: 2020-07-19 14:22:36
Bill, I would be very surprised if that were a natural population of purple milkweed. If you'd like confirmation on the ID, post your photos on the Minnesota Wildflowers Facebook page.