Asclepias Purpurascens Purple Milkweed. It is a native perennial listed as endangered in massachusetts and wisconsin and as a species of special concern in tennessee and connecticut. Monarch larvae feed on foliage.
The central stem is light green round in cross section terete and glabrous to finely pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 6 long and 3 across. Purple milkweed is known from more than 60 occurrences in southern michigan.
Similar to common milkweed in flower and leaf shape but more compact and colorful.
Unlike its other close relative common milkweed the flowers are held upright at the top of the stem. Purple milkweed asclepias purpurascens by tania hanline. Photo courtesy of the vagary. Asclepiadaceae milkweed family total range.
