Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivanti)
Asclepias sullivantii, commonly known as Prairie Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, lowland meadows, and along roadsides primarily in central and northern Illinois. It thrives in full sun and moderately moist, well-drained soils, making it ideal for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens.
This upright plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features broad, oval, opposite leaves with smooth edges and a reddish central stem. The leaves often clasp the stem, and the plant exudes a milky sap when broken. From early to mid-summer, it produces rounded clusters of fragrant, pink to rose-colored flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and especially monarchs.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias sullivantii is a valuable and visually appealing addition to native plantings. It supports monarch caterpillars as a host plant and contributes nectar to numerous pollinators. Less aggressive than Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), it pairs well with other prairie species such as Purple Coneflower, Blazingstar, and Little Bluestem for a vibrant and ecologically beneficial landscape.
Asclepias sullivantii, commonly known as Prairie Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, lowland meadows, and along roadsides primarily in central and northern Illinois. It thrives in full sun and moderately moist, well-drained soils, making it ideal for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens.
This upright plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features broad, oval, opposite leaves with smooth edges and a reddish central stem. The leaves often clasp the stem, and the plant exudes a milky sap when broken. From early to mid-summer, it produces rounded clusters of fragrant, pink to rose-colored flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and especially monarchs.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias sullivantii is a valuable and visually appealing addition to native plantings. It supports monarch caterpillars as a host plant and contributes nectar to numerous pollinators. Less aggressive than Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), it pairs well with other prairie species such as Purple Coneflower, Blazingstar, and Little Bluestem for a vibrant and ecologically beneficial landscape.
Asclepias sullivantii, commonly known as Prairie Milkweed, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, lowland meadows, and along roadsides primarily in central and northern Illinois. It thrives in full sun and moderately moist, well-drained soils, making it ideal for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens.
This upright plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features broad, oval, opposite leaves with smooth edges and a reddish central stem. The leaves often clasp the stem, and the plant exudes a milky sap when broken. From early to mid-summer, it produces rounded clusters of fragrant, pink to rose-colored flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and especially monarchs.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias sullivantii is a valuable and visually appealing addition to native plantings. It supports monarch caterpillars as a host plant and contributes nectar to numerous pollinators. Less aggressive than Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), it pairs well with other prairie species such as Purple Coneflower, Blazingstar, and Little Bluestem for a vibrant and ecologically beneficial landscape.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: black soil prairies; cemetery prairies; moist meadows along rivers or near wetlands; prairie remnants along railroads; roadside ditches; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: rich loamy soil