Summary
Purple milkweed is an attractive and robust herbaceous perennial plant reaching 2-4’ tall producing attractive terminal clusters of purple flowers from late spring into summer. It tends to be a clumping plant that spreads less aggressively than other milkweed species. The large, oval, leathery foliage of purple milkweed also develops pinkish accents on the margins and along the leaf veins. This milkweed performs well in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist well-drained soils unlike some species that are more drought tolerant. Purple milkweed is an excellent meadow companion that combines well with Gentiana clausa, Schizachyrium scoparium, Veronicastrum virginicum, and Liatris spicata.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist - Flowering Period
early-summer, mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
pink, purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
brown, green
Additional Information
Illinois Wildflowers, North American Butterfly Association, New England Wild Flower Society