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sand milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias arenaria

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sand Milkweed (Asclepias arenaria)

Sand milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias arenaria, is a perennial herb belonging to the Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae). It is also referred to as sand mw.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the sap is milky, which may be a consideration for pets.
  • Milkweed species are often found in gardens and natural areas, increasing the potential for interaction.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that the sap is milky, which may be a consideration for children.
  • Milkweed species are often found in gardens and natural areas, increasing the potential for interaction.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias arenaria Torr.
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
  • Synonym: The text also mentions Asclepias amplexicaulis as another name for Sand Milkweed.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Sand milkweed thrives in sandy and well-drained soil.
  • It is found in areas such as the Albany Pine Bush and locations within Iowa.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Sand milkweed is a perennial herb with relatively stout stems that are usually simple.
  • The stems are hairy (pubescent).
  • Leaves are opposite, typically 6-9 cm long and 4-8 cm wide, with a petiole of 0.2 to 0.7 inches.
  • Inflorescences are lateral, with clusters of approximately 20 flowers near the top of each plant.
  • The plant sprawls and ranges in size, with some milkweeds barely reaching a foot in height, while others grow to three feet or more.

Ecological Role

  • Milkweeds, including sand milkweed, are essential for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars.
  • They support a diversity of pollinators and are considered a pollinator magnet.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars.
  • It is also a source of nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
  • Curculionidae (weevils) have been observed on sand milkweed.

Further Information

  • Observations of sand milkweed can be viewed on iNaturalist.
  • Arizona milkweed plant information is available at Wildflower.org.
  • Additional resources include the USDA PLANTS database and Dave's Garden.
  • Wyoming Natural Diversity Database.