Purple Milkweed

Asclepias purpurascens

Physical Characteristics

Asclepias purpurascens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - South Dakota to Minnesota, south to Tennessee.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root Seed Seedpod Shoots Edible Uses: Gum Oil Sweetener The following uses have been recorded for A. speciosa, it is fairly safe to assume they can also be applied to this closely related species[K]. Flower buds - raw or cooked[61, 92]. Tasting somewhat like peas[85]. Young shoots and leaves - cooked[46, 61, 62, 92, 95]. An asparagus substitute[85, 183]. They should not be eaten raw[85]. Tips of older shoots are cooked like spinach[85, 183]. Young seed pods, 3 - 4 cm long, cooked. Very appetizing[85]. Flower clusters can be boiled down to make a sugary syrup[85] or they can be eaten raw[161, 183]. Seed - raw[161]. A chewing gum can be made from the latex contained in the stem and leaves[46, 61, 92, 183]. Root[183].No further details.

Medicinal Uses

Warts The latex is used as a cure for warts[168].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports have been seen for this species, many, if not all, members of this genus contain toxic resinoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides[274]. They are usually avoided by grazing animals[274].