Prairie Milkweed

Asclepias sullivantii

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Introduction

Prairie Milkweed is also called Sullivant’s Milkweed, named for William Starling Sullivant, an American botanist of the mid-1800′s. This Milkweed appears generally similar to Common Milkweed but is less aggressive, has slightly smaller flowers, and an overall smooth appearance on the stem, leaves and seed pods.

Visited by hummingbirds and a wide variety of bees and butterflies (including, of course, Monarchs, who use the plant as a larval host), Prairie Milkweed is one of the plants favored by the larvae of the Milkweed Leaf-Miner fly, which bore holes in the leaves. 
 
Easily grown from seed and bearing a very fragrant flower, Prairie Milkweed makes a nice addition to any sunny medium to medium-moist garden. After just a few years, the taproot will extend very deep, protecting the plant in times of drought, but also making it difficult to move, so choose your spot wisely. 

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