redring milkweed

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1-3 ft. tall
1-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Either plant in fall or winter or cold-stratify before planting in spring. May be more difficult to germinate than other milkweeds.

Plant Planting Notes

1ft spacing

Plants/Diseases

Aphids, milkweed beetles, and caterpillars are common but not problematic. Milkweed bugs can damage seed pods.

 

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Opposite oval-shaped leaves. Smooth, dark green on top with lighter-colored hairy undersides.

Flowers

Spherical clusters of white waxy flowers with a red/purple ring

Fruit

Spear-shaped pods containing seeds

Bark

Stout, unbranched, green stems that leak milky sap when damaged.

Toxicity

All plant parts can be mildly toxic due to cardiac glycosides

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Upland forests, woodland edge, slopes

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Redring milkweed is common in the coastal plain, pediment, and mountains.