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White flower cluster of ed-ring milkweed (Asclepias variegata).Masebrock, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Plant of Red-ring milkweed (Asclepias variegata) in a wooded setting."Asclepias variegata" by coatlicue is marked with CC0 1.0.
White flower cluster of Red-ring milkweed (Asclepias variegata) in a wooded setting."Asclepias variegata" by coatlicue is marked with CC0 1.0.

(Asclepias variegata)
Red-Ring Milkweed

Hosted Species: Monarch Butterfly

Nectar Plant: many insects including other butterflies, bees, and wasps

Flower Color: white with a red to purple ring at the base

Growth Habit: herbaceous perennial that grows from 1 to 4 feet tall

Range in North America: Mid-western and eastern United States, except for northern New England.

Exposure: Prefers partial sun to light shade in thickets, open woodlands, and wooded roadsides.  It can also handle full sun situations.

Hardiness: Zones 3-9

Soil Requirements: Dry, rocky or sandy soil

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Red-Ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata)

Close-up of white flowers of red ring milkweed (Asclepias variegata).

 
Red-Ring Milkwed (Asclepias variegata), a member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows 1′ to 4′ tall and blooms in the spring and summer (May to July).  The fruits, which are follicles, mature in the late summer to fall.

More about Red-Ring Milkweed can be found on this blog post.

Alternative Names

White Milkweed, Redring Milkweed, White-flower Milkweed, White-flowered Milkweed, and Variegated Milkweed

Hosted Species

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on orange flower.
ALAN SCHMIERER from southeast AZ, USA, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Other butterflies, bees, and wasps use this plant as a nectar source.

Native Range in the United States and Canada

Range map of Red-ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata) in the United States and Canada.

Red-Ring Milkweed is a herbaceous perennial that is found in open areas with partial sun to light-shade in the mid-western and eastern United States, except northern New England.

The genus name, Asclepias, is named for the Greek god of healing, Asklepios (Flora of Wisconsin).

Webpages

North Carolina Extension Gardener

Illinois Wildflowers

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Red-Ring Milkweed”

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