What is purple milkweed?

Purple milkweed, also known by its scientific name Asclepias purpurascens, is a type of milkweed native to most of the eastern United States. It gets its name from its purple flowers. Purple milkweed is an important source of nectar for butterflies, including monarch butterflies, swallowtails and red admirals.

Although most milkweed varieties spread aggressively, the purple milkweed does not do so. It is deer-resistant. The flowers of the purple milkweed grow on long stems 3 to 4 feet above the ground and sometimes bloom twice in a year. Besides butterflies, other nectar-seeking insects are attracted to the purple milkweed, including monarch caterpillars, milkweed beetles and bumblebees.