Prairie milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) is a plant species native to North America. Prairie milkweed is also known as Sullivant's milkweed and smooth milkweed. This species grows in prairies, meadows, and river bottoms, where it serves as an important host plant to butterflies including Monarch butterflies.
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer
Bloom Time
30 cm to 91 cm
Plant Height
30 cm to 45 cm
Spread
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
On This Page
Images
Toxicity
Weed Control
Care Guide
FAQs
Images of Prairie milkweed
Toxicity
All parts of the prairie milkweed are poisonous, producing toxic cardiac glycosides. Poisoning occurs mainly through skin contact (causing rashes, blisters) and ingestion (causing diarrhea, nausea, respiratory paralysis). However, the plant is only mildly toxic in small quantities. Prairie milkweed is widespread, increasing the risk of poisoning through accidental skin contact.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Found spreading through meadows and pastures throughout North America, prairie milkweed is a common problem for livestock farmers. These are poisonous weeds that retain their cardiac glycoside toxins even after dying and drying out, and frequently get mixed in with hay. When ingested by animals, symptoms can become severe, possibly causing death. Their deep taproots make them difficult to remove, so herbicide use is suggested for controlling prairie milkweed.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free
Care Guide for Prairie milkweed
Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water:
Prairie milkweed thrives in moderate water availability, exhibiting drought tolerance suitable for its prairie origins. Weekly watering mimics natural precipitation, while well-draining soil is essential to replicate its native habitat's conditions of heavy rains followed by dry spells.
Fertilize:
Prairie milkweed requires minimal fertilization, needing phosphate fertilizer post-bud formation and organic fertilizer once before winter to enhance cold resilience. During dormancy, physiological activities slow significantly, so fertilization should cease to prevent root rot from overfertilization.
Pruning:
Maintain prairie milkweed health by removing infected plants and wilting leaves. In tropical climates, prune branches in early spring to encourage growth. Due to prairie milkweed's toxicity, wear gloves when handling, keep it away from children, and avoid ingestion.
Propagation:
Prairie milkweed produces numerous small seedlings in early spring. To propagate, dig out the seedling cluster and use a sharp, clean knife to divide the roots into parts for separate planting.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.