Purple Milkweed
Asclepias purpurascens
Last reviewed: July 2026
Asclepias purpurascens is a native perennial forb blooming June through July across eastern and central United States. This purple milkweed attracts bees, butterflies, and moths while thriving in full sun conditions.
Purple 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
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Purple milkweed produces clusters of deep rose-purple flowers on sturdy upright stems in early to mid-summer. This native perennial forms neat clumps and goes dormant in winter, returning reliably each spring with attractive oval leaves.
Growing Purple Milkweed
Grow Purple Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 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
Purple Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
- May self-seed in optimal conditions
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various butterflies, bees, and moths. The flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and long-tongued butterflies.
Common questions
- Where does Purple Milkweed naturally occur?
- Asclepias purpurascens is native to 39 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Georgia and Louisiana, and west to Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota.
- When does Purple Milkweed bloom?
- Purple Milkweed flowers during June and July, producing clusters of purple blooms that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Purple Milkweed?
- Asclepias purpurascens attracts bees, butterflies, and moths. Like other milkweeds, it serves as both a nectar source and host plant for monarch butterflies.
- What growing conditions does Purple Milkweed prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate a range of water conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Purple Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Purple 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 Purple Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Purple 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 Purple Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Purple 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 Purple Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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