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clasping milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias amplexicaulis

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NH (blunt-leaved milkweed), VT (blunt-leaved milkw

       

Asclepias amplexicaulis (Clasping Milkweed)

Asclepias amplexicaulis, commonly known as Clasping Milkweed or Blunt-leaved Milkweed, is a wildflower species belonging to the milkweed family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces a milky sap, common to all milkweeds.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces a milky sap, common to all milkweeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias amplexicaulis
  • Common Names: Clasping Milkweed, Blunt-leaved Milkweed, Blunt-leaf Milkweed, Sand Milkweed
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family), also sometimes classified under dogbane family (Apocynaceae)
  • Synonyms: Asclepias obtusifolia

Distribution and Habitat

  • Clasping Milkweed is native to North America.
  • It grows in sandy fields and open woodland habitats.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Minnesota
    • New England States (protected in some)
    • Piedmont region
    • DC, MD, VA
    • Texas
    • Sandhills
    • Northern Illinois
    • Ohio (species of concern)
  • Prefers dry fields, prairies, and open woods.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The flowers are described as having a round cluster of 5-parted flowers, about 5/8 inch long, with 5 green petals pulled back.
  • Flowers are green with a pinkish or purplish tint.
  • Leaves are opposite, clasping, elliptic to ovate in shape with crisped (wavy) margins. The wavy-edged, clasping leaves are a good identification marker.
  • The plant is unbranched.
  • Height can reach up to 1.5 to 2.5 feet (or up to 3 feet in some descriptions).

Ecological Role

  • Clasping Milkweed serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars.
  • It also provides nectar for adult monarchs.
  • Planting milkweeds like Asclepias amplexicaulis helps support monarch butterfly populations.

Other Notable Information

  • The flowers are similar in structure to other milkweeds, except for their large size.
  • It blooms from May/June to August.
  • Prefers dry soil conditions.
  • Grows in full sun to partial shade.

Resources

  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASCLE
  • Discover Life: Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Asclepias amplexicaulis - Clasping milkweed -- Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden: Mentions a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.