Asclepias purpurascens, commonly known as Purple Milkweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, forest edges, and prairies of the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant is characterized by its deep purple flowers, which bloom from late spring to mid-summer, and are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers first appear pink and mature to a darker purple, creating a striking display. The foliage is a lush green, and although it rarely produces seed pods, when it does, they are smooth, contrasting with the rough, warty pods of common milkweed.

Purple Milkweed is valued for its role in supporting butterfly populations, particularly the monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species during its larval stage. It is an excellent choice for native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and naturalized areas. While it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in part shade conditions, which mimic its natural woodland habitat. It requires low to medium water and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have slow to medium drainage. Gardeners should note that while it is less aggressive than some milkweed species, it can still spread through rhizomes and should be given space to naturalize.CC BY-SA 4.0