Prairie Milkweed
Asclepias sullivantii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias sullivantii is a native prairie milkweed found across the Midwest from Minnesota to Oklahoma. This perennial forb blooms pink flowers from June through August, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths.
Prairie Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
IA, IL, IN, KS and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie milkweed is a sturdy native perennial that produces clusters of pink to purple flowers from June through August. It grows 2-4 feet tall with a neat, upright habit and broad leaves that remain attractive throughout the growing season.
Growing Prairie Milkweed
Grow Prairie Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prairie Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
- May spread slowly by underground rhizomes
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
This plant is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant for caterpillars and nectar source for adults. It also attracts native bees, moths, and other beneficial insects.
Common questions
- Where is Prairie Milkweed native?
- Prairie Milkweed is native to 13 Midwest states including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- When does Asclepias sullivantii bloom?
- Prairie Milkweed blooms from June through August, producing clusters of pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Prairie Milkweed?
- Prairie Milkweed attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its fragrant pink flower clusters during summer months.
- What growing conditions does Asclepias sullivantii prefer?
- Prairie Milkweed grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun. It adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it versatile for prairie restorations.
- Is Prairie Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Prairie Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Prairie Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Prairie Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Prairie Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Prairie Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Prairie Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz